How to Insert Multiple Rows in Google Sheets: 5 Easy Ways
Adding single rows in Google Sheets is a simple and straightforward process. However, using the same process to insert multiple rows can be tedious and time-consuming. Thankfully, there are more efficient ways to go about this.
In this article, we’ll explore some easy ways you can insert multiple rows in Google Sheets that will streamline your workflow and save you lots of valuable time. Whether you’re working with small or large sets of data, these tips will come in handy.
1. The Insert Tab
Before we dive into how to insert multiple rows, let’s quickly recap how to insert a single row above or below an existing one using the Insert tab on the main menu.
So, for example, if you want to insert a row above or below row 10, you’ll click onrow 10, then on theInserttab, selectRowsfrom the drop-down menu, and choose eitherInsert 1 row aboveorInsert 1 row below.
Using a pretty similar process, you can insert multiple rows into Google Sheets. So, for example, let’s say you want to add 5 rows above row 10.
You’ll start by selecting 5 rows starting from row 10—so clickrow 10, press theShiftkey on your keyboard, and select the 5th row down below from row 10, which isrow 14.
With these five rows selected, click theInserttab and selectRows, andInsert 5 rows above.
Notice that since the five rows were added above row 10, the “initial”row 10moves torow 15.
If you want to insert five rows below row 10, then select a range of five rows with row 10 as the final row.
Then follow through the same process as before, but this time around, selectInsert 5 rows below. Notice how this time around row 10 stays in the same position and the new rows are added below it.
2. The Right-Click Menu
Instead of reaching all the way to the Insert tab, you can quickly insert multiple rows using the right-click menu. As we did in the previous section, select a range of rows to match the number of rows you want to add (let’s use 5 rows for this example as well).
But this time around, right-click on your selection and select eitherInsert 5 rows aboveorInsert 5 rows belowfrom the drop-down menu.
3. The F4 Shortcut
So far, the methods we’ve looked at only allow you to insert multiple rows that are adjacent to each other. But what if you want to insert non-adjacent rows? This is where the F4 key comes in handy! It’s one of the manykeyboard shortcuts in Google Sheetsthat can significantly boost your speed.
The F4 key repeats the last action you performed. So whether your last action was inserting one row above or three rows below, hittingF4on your keyboard will perform that exact action.
Let’s take a look at an example where you want to insert one row below row 2, another below row 6, and a final one below row 12. First, you have to manually insert one row below any of the rows (let’s say row 2) using either the Insert tab or the right-click menu (as we’ve discussed previously).
Now you can go to row 6 and hitF4on your keyboard to add a row below it, then go to row 12 and do the same.
If the F4 key doesn’t work on your keyboard, tryfn + F4orCtrl + Y.
While the keyboard shortcut method doesn’t add these non-adjacent rows at a go, it’s a much faster process compared to repeatedly using the Insert tab or right-click menu.
4. The Macro Option
A much better alternative to the F4 shortcut method isusing the Macros feature to automate repetitive tasks(for our example, inserting multiple rows).
So instead of relying on the last action you executed, you can create different macros for adding different numbers of rows, and access each of them with just a click of a button or a custom shortcut key. To add a new macro, click theExtensionstab from the menu, selectMacros, and thenRecord macro.
A dialog box pops up to show that you’re recording a new macro, so any action you take will be captured. Before you take any action, ensure that you’ve selected the right option out of the following in the dialog box:
With either of these options selected, it’s possible to now add three rows below row 6 and clickSave.
Give your macro a suitable name. you could also assign it to a custom shortcut (optional), and clickSave.
Now you can execute your new macro by hitting the custom shortcut on your keyboard or by navigating to theExtensionstab, clickingMacros, and selecting your macro from the drop-down menu.
If you’re executing the macro for the first time, you’ll need to grant authorization for it to make changes to your spreadsheet.
After the authorization, you’ll have to re-run the script using your custom shortcut or the Extensions tab (as explained previously).
5. The Add Button
By default, there are a maximum of 1000 rows in Google Sheets. And if you’re working with large sets of data, this may not be enough.
Thankfully, Google Sheets makes it easy to add multiple rows below the 1000th row with the Add button. First, select the last row of your data set (as shown in the image below).
Now pressCtrl + down arrowon your keyboard to move to the bottom of the spreadsheet, then hit the down arrow again to reveal the Add button. Specify the no. of extra rows you want to add to the bottom of your sheet and clickAdd.
Insert Multiple Rows in Google Sheets With the Right Techniques
When it comes to inserting multiple rows into Google Sheets, the techniques shared above will save you lots of time and headaches. So go ahead and start incorporating them into your workflow. And if you dabble in Microsoft Excel, the process of inserting multiple rows is just as easy.
Are you wondering how to insert multiple rows in Excel? Here are a few of the best tricks that can speed up your daily Excel tasks.
My iPhone does it all, but I still need my dumb phone.
It saves me hours and keeps my sanity intact.
Quality apps that don’t cost anything.
you’re able to’t call this offline, Notion.
Anyone with more than a passing interest in motorsports must see these films.
