Insert Rows or Columns in Excel (Ctrl + Shift + "+")
Inserting rows or columns allows you to quickly add space for new data without overwriting existing content.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + + | Cmd + Shift + + |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
This shortcut opens the Insert dialog box where you can choose to insert entire rows, entire columns, or shift cells as needed.
How to Insert Rows or Columns
- Select the row or column where you want to insert
- Press Ctrl + Shift + + (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + + (Mac)
- Choose the option in the Insert dialog and click OK
Tips & Best Practices
- Always select the entire row or column to prevent overwriting existing cells
- Combine with formatting shortcuts to maintain style consistency
- Useful when preparing tables or reports dynamically
FAQ
- Q: Can I insert multiple rows or columns at once?
- A: Yes, select multiple rows or columns first, then use the shortcut.
- Q: Will this overwrite existing data?
- A: No, data will shift down or right depending on your selection.
- Q: Can I undo inserted rows or columns?
- A: Yes, press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac).