Insert More Than One Row in Excel

Insert More Than One Row in Excel

If you’ve used Excel for a while, you have lots of skills that you might assume everyone else shares. For example, you probably know how to insert more than one row in Excel, without adding them one at a time. If not, here’s how to do that.

Excel Question

Lots of us are self-taught in Excel, and might have missed learning a shortcut or two. Recently, I saw this plea on Twitter:

Can anyone help pls? can’t work out how to add a LOT of new rows in Excel between existing data, rather than 1 at a time – ?? Many thanks!

For that person, and anyone else who needs to know, here’s the solution.

Insert Single Row with Mouse Shortcut

You can quickly insert a single row in Excel by using a mouse shortcut.

  • Right-click on the row button, in the row below the point where you want the new row inserted. For example, if you want a blank row added between rows 3 and 4, right-click on the row 4 button.
  • Then, in the pop-up menu, click Insert
Insert Single Row with Mouse Shortcut
Insert Single Row with Mouse Shortcut

Insert Rows with Mouse Shortcut

You’re not limited to adding one row at a time — you can quickly add multiple rows in Excel by using a mouse shortcut.

  • Firstly, drag over several row buttons, to select the same number of rows that you want to add. For example, select rows 4 to 7, if you want to add 4 blank rows above row 4
  • Secondly, as you drag, a pop-up (highlighted in green below) will show the number of rows currently selected.

InsertRowsMouse02

  • Then, after you select the number of row that you want to add, right-click on a row button, for one of the selected rows.
  • Finally, in the pop-up menu, click Insert

Based on the number of rows that you had selected, blank rows will be inserted, above the first selected row.
InsertRowsMouse03

More Shortcuts

Of course, you can insert rows with an Excel keyboard shortcut too, if that’s your preference.

Firstly, use these keyboard shortcuts to select:

  • Select active cell’s entire row — press Shift + Spacebar
  • Add more rows to selection — press Shift, and Up arrow or Down arrow.

Then use this keyboard shortcut:

  • To insert the selected number of rows, press Ctrl + + (plus sign)

And there are mouse wheel shortcuts too!

Watch the Video

To see the mouse shortcuts for inserting one or more rows in an Excel worksheet, watch this very short Excel video tutorial.

More Data Entry Tips

Click these links for more Excel data entry tips:

Excel Data Entry Tips

Fill Blank Cells

Excel Keyboard Shortcuts List

Double-Click Shortcuts

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24 thoughts on “Insert More Than One Row in Excel”

  1. I just right click to insert the row then hammer at ctrl + y as many times as needed to insert a new row. Also if you insert more than 1 row at a time (eg 4) then when you press ctrl + y it will insert another 4 rows. Works on columns as well.

    1. Thank you so much for your comment! One, it works! Two, I haven’t been able to find that helpful information anywhere! Other references show ctrl + y to do a Redo, but it allows me to add rows (LOTS of rows!). Your post made my day – thanks again!

  2. i think what he is saying, “inserting rows between existing data” say you have 1-10 data in a row and he would like to insert in between those numbers.

  3. Dear All,
    I have on 1000 row data & i want to insert one blank row after every row. how can i do it fast. pls provide me any shortcut for same.
    For example my current excel page as under
    S00082 63 AMP BACKLITE FUSE
    S00100 “ALENKEY BOLT 3/8×7″”.”””
    S00101 ALENKEY BOLT M-6 X 25
    S00103 ALENKY BOLT 6 MM X 1/2
    & i require as under
    S00082 63 AMP BACKLITE FUSE
    S00100 “ALENKEY BOLT 3/8×7″”.”””
    S00101 ALENKEY BOLT M-6 X 25
    S00103 ALENKY BOLT 6 MM X 1/2

    1. Try this Sachin:
      Insert a new Column called Row No. Use 1,3, and 5 as the first three entries and then autofill to the bottom of your existing rows. Then add 2,4,6, etc. to the equivalent number of blank rows below. Sort by Row No., and then delete the new column.

      1. Awesome solution Ben, I used this method after looking for ages for a quick, uncomplicated way to insert multiple rows. Thanks

  4. Insert Code as this use
    Sub InsertRows()
    Application.ScreenUpdating = False
    Dim numRows As Integer
    Dim r As Long
    r = Cells(Rows.Count, “A”).End(xlUp).Row
    numRows = 1
    For r = r To 1 Step -1
    ActiveSheet.Rows(r + 1).Resize(numRows).Insert
    Next r
    Application.ScreenUpdating = True
    End Sub
    Thanks

  5. I am trying to insert two black rows in an existing worksheet. I can insert on row easily, but none of the shortcuts work for me. When I highlight two rows then right click the insert button isn’t active. But if I only wish to insert one row, I can right clight and the insert button allows me to insert. Help!!

  6. Hi
    Fabulous description of how to add rows in Excel. Your explanation and illustrations were AMAZING!
    Extremely clear and effective. Thanks so much!

  7. dear sir,
    please rectify my problem,
    1. 1 to 10000 rows
    2. totally selected
    3. every 1000 nos inserting blank rows, 10 times .
    4. but at the same time(at a time) 1 to 10000 rows insterting 10 balnk row s .
    5. how is possible?
    reply me sr…

  8. Try as I might, I cannot get the Ctrl++ to work for inserting rows. Is there a setting in the Options that affects this? I see others have also not gotten this to work.
    Thanks.

  9. 1. 1 to 10000 rows
    2. selected row when i want
    3. inserting multiple blank rows, in the particular sillecting row
    4. how is possible?

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