Deleting an entire row in Excel 2019 is a simple task that can be done in just a few steps. Whether you’re clearing out unnecessary data or organizing your spreadsheet, removing rows is a basic function that every Excel user should know. Just follow these quick instructions, and you’ll have those rows deleted in no time!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Delete an Entire Row in Excel 2019
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Deleting a row in Excel 2019 removes it entirely from your spreadsheet, along with all the data contained in each cell of that row. It’s a straightforward process, so let’s get started.
Step 1: Select the Row
Click on the row number on the left-hand side of your Excel sheet to highlight the entire row you wish to delete.
When you click on the row number, make sure the entire row is highlighted. If you accidentally click on a cell, only that cell will be selected, and you won’t be able to delete the entire row.
Step 2: Right-Click on the Row Number
After selecting the row, right-click on the highlighted row number to open a context menu.
Be careful not to right-click on a cell, as this will open a different menu. You need to right-click on the row number itself to get the correct options.
Step 3: Click ‘Delete’
In the context menu, look for the ‘Delete’ option and click on it. This will remove the selected row from your spreadsheet.
Once you click ‘Delete,’ the row will disappear, and the rows below it will shift up to fill the space. This action cannot be undone with a simple undo command if you save and close the workbook, so be sure you want to delete the row before you do so.
After completing the steps above, the selected row will be permanently deleted from your Excel spreadsheet. All the data in that row will be gone, and the rows below will move up to fill the space. It’s a quick and efficient way to clean up your data and keep your spreadsheet organized.
Tips for Deleting an Entire Row in Excel 2019
- To quickly select multiple rows, click on the first row number, hold down the ‘Shift’ key, and click on the last row number you want to select.
- Use the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl’ + ‘-‘ (minus key) to delete a selected row without right-clicking.
- If you accidentally delete a row, you can press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Z’ to undo the action, but only if you haven’t closed the Excel workbook yet.
- Be cautious when deleting rows, as this action cannot be reversed after saving and closing the workbook.
- If you need to delete rows based on certain criteria, consider using the ‘Filter’ function to hide unwanted data before deleting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete multiple rows at once in Excel 2019?
Yes, you can select multiple rows by clicking and dragging over the row numbers or using the ‘Shift’ key, and then follow the same right-click and delete process.
What happens to the data below the deleted row?
When you delete a row, the data in the rows below it will automatically shift up to fill the space where the deleted row was.
Can I use a keyboard shortcut to delete a row?
Yes, you can use ‘Ctrl’ + ‘-‘ (minus key) after selecting a row to delete it without right-clicking.
Is there a way to delete a row without using the mouse?
Apart from the keyboard shortcut mentioned above, you can also use ‘Alt’ + ‘E’, followed by ‘D’ to access the delete function from the Excel menu using only the keyboard.
How do I undo a deleted row?
If you haven’t saved or closed the workbook, you can press ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Z’ to undo the action and restore the deleted row.
Summary
- Select the row by clicking on the row number.
- Right-click on the row number to open the context menu.
- Click on ‘Delete’ to remove the row.
Conclusion
Deleting an entire row in Excel 2019 is a piece of cake once you know the steps. Whether you’re tidying up your data or removing irrelevant information, mastering this fundamental function will make your Excel experience smoother and more efficient. Remember, though, to double-check the data you’re about to delete—you wouldn’t want to lose important information by accident. And if you do make a mistake, remember that trusty ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Z’ is there to save the day, as long as you haven’t closed your workbook. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how easy it is to keep your spreadsheets in tip-top shape. Happy Excel-ing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
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