How to hide columns in Google Sheets

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Hiding unused columns in spreadsheets helps you focus as you work. You may have to show your spreadsheet to an audience. Hiding unused columns will also help your audience focus while you are presenting the spreadsheet.

There are two methods you can use to hide rows and columns. 

  • Using Mouse and keyboard
  • Using Keyboard shortcuts

Method 1: Mouse and keyboard

Step 1: Hide columns

To hide a single column:

  • Click on the column header.
  • Right-click on any part of the selected column. You will see a drop-down menu.
  • Select Hide column from the drop-down menu.

OR

To hide multiple columns:

  • Click on the column header of the first column. 
  • Press and hold the Shift button.
  • Select other columns.
  • Right-click on any part of the columns you have selected. You will see a drop-down menu.
  • Select Hide columns from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Unhide columns

To restore the hidden columns:

  • Click the double-pointed arrows on the column header beside the hidden columns. 

Step 3: Hide rows

To hide a single row:

  • Right-click on the row number. 
  • Select Hide row from the drop-down menu.

OR

To hide multiple rows:

  • Select a row.
  • Press and hold the Shift button.
  • Select other rows.
  • Right-click on any part of the selected rows. You will see a drop-down menu.
  • Select Hide rows from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Unhide rows

To restore the hidden rows:

  • Click the double-pointed arrows beside the row numbers of the hidden rows.

Method 2: Hide columns with shortcuts

If you prefer working with shortcuts, then you can use this method. 

Step 1: Hide columns

To hide a single column:

  • Select the column.
  • Press CTRL + ALT + 0

OR

To hide multiple columns:

  • Select the column.
  • Hold the Shift button.
  • Press the arrow buttons to select other columns.
  • Press CTRL + ALT + 0

Step 2: Unhide columns

  • Click the double-pointed arrows in the column header to unhide columns.

Step 3: Hide Rows

To hide a row:

  • Select the row.
  • Press CTRL +ALT + 0

OR

To hide multiple rows:

  • Select a row.
  • Press CTRL + Shift + arrow to select other rows.
  • Press CTRL + ALT + 0

Step 4: Unhide rows

  • Click the double-pointed arrows in the row number to unhide rows.

Wrapping up

You may not need all the columns in your spreadsheet. The methods above will help you hide the columns you don’t need. If you love using keyboard shortcuts, you can follow the steps mentioned in the Hide columns with shortcuts section.

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