Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Quickly Deleting Rows and Columns.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 4, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365
You probably already know how to completely delete rows or columns by using the tools on the ribbon. Excel provides an even quicker way to delete rows or columns, however. All you need to do is select the row or column that you want to delete, and then press Ctrl+- (that's Ctrl and the minus sign at the same time). Excel removes the row or column from your worksheet, as directed.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (12424) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Quickly Deleting Rows and Columns.
Program Successfully in Excel! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to automate any task in Excel and save time and effort. Learn how to extend Excel's functionality with VBA to create solutions not possible with the standard features. Includes latest information for Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365. Check out Mastering Excel VBA Programming today!
When you are working with data created by other systems or other people, you often need to convert the data into ...
Discover MoreIt's easy to select non-contiguous ranges using the mouse but may seem more daunting if you are simply using the ...
Discover MoreWhen you are entering information in a worksheet, it sure would be handy to have a way to "mask" the information being ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2023-03-07 04:22:42
Graham
I probably should have mentioned in my original message that I do not like using keyboard shortcuts. This is mainly because I cannot remember them, especially when they may be unique to a particular program. It is just too confusing.
I do use Ctrl+ p (for print) or c (for copy) or v (for paste) since these seem to be universal for many applications.
The only 'unique' Excel keyboard shortcuts that I find useful are Ctrl+; (semicolon) for the current date and Ctrl+: (colon) for the current time.
2023-03-06 21:25:49
sgj
Hi Allen,
The Deleting Rows and columns keyboard short cut (Cntl -) will become one of my favourite (Australian spelling :-)
The corollary to deleting rows and columns via this short cut is ADDING the same using Cntl Shift +
I have enjoyed Excel Tips for many years, and still do in retirement.
Thank you so much, keep up the good work.
John L. (the Aussie and Excel addict)
2023-03-06 06:31:50
Alex Blakenburg
If don't already have your hands on the mouse and you don't want to select the row using the mouse, then the full sequence is either:
• Ctrl+- followed by "r" followed by <enter>
OR
• Shift+<Spacebar> followed by Ctrl+-
(Where Shift+<Spacebar> selects the row, Ctrl+<Spacebar> to select a column.)
2023-03-04 19:02:51
Al
@Graham,
There is nothing wrong with your method. It is a question of personal preference: two clicks vs. single keystroke.
2023-03-04 05:48:41
Graham
What is wrong with the easiest method ?
1) Select the entire row or column.
2) Right click and then choose 'Delete'.
The right click method also gives other options - add row/column, clear contents, etc.
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Excel in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here:
Comments