How to insert Multiple rows in Google Sheets

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Sometimes you might need to add an extra row between two others in your spreadsheets. In Google Sheets, you can do it by right-clicking the row and selecting the Insert Row option found in the menu.

In some cases, however, one extra row may not be enough. You’ll need to add multiple rows to enter your data. Google Sheets has met this requirement too with many options to add multiple rows. 

5 Method To Add Multiple Rows

There are many simple methods to accomplish adding as many rows as you want. 

  • Using the Insert Rows option
  • Using keyboard shortcuts
  • Using the Add button at the bottom
  • Using F4
  • Using Macros

Method 1: Using the Insert Rows option

Step 1: Highlight the number of rows to be added.

You can select a row by clicking on the row number in the leftmost column of the sheet. You will notice the entire row getting highlighted. Highlight the number of rows you want to add. 

For example, if you want to add 5 rows, select rows 1-5. You can select multiple rows in the following ways:

  • With CTRL + Click in Windows or ⌘ + click in Mac.
  • By holding Shift and clicking the final row after selecting the first one.
  • By holding and dragging the left mouse button in the row number column. 

Step 2: Select the Insert Rows option.

Right-click on any of the selected rows. You will see the option Insert [selected no. of] Rows in the pop-up menu. Click on it. 

In the present example, you can see the Insert 8 Rows option as 8 rows have been selected. You can choose to add them Above or Below as required. 

The added rows will appear highlighted as shown. 

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

This is another easy method to insert rows in your Google Sheet. All you have to do is remember two keyboard shortcuts. 

Step 1: Highlight the number of rows to be added.

This is similar to the first step. Identify and select where you want to insert your rows. For instance, inserting two rows above row 3 or Hello. 

Step 2: Press the keyboard shortcuts.

There are two shortcuts. One for inserting above and another one for inserting below. 

To insert above, use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Shift + = or Ctrl + Alt + =.

Another shortcut is Alt + I, then R if you’re using google chrome. For other browsers, you can use Alt + Shift + I, then R.

To insert below, you can Alt + I, then W if you’re using google chrome. For other browsers, you can use Alt + Shift + I, then W.

Method 3: Using the Add button at the bottom

You can use this method if you want to append a large number of rows to your Google Sheet. 

Step 1: Scroll down to the bottom of the sheet.

Scroll down all the way to the borrow of the sheet to find the Add button at the bottom left of your sheet. 

Step 2: Specify the number of rows you want to add.

In the text box next to the Add button, you can see the default 1000. You can change that to any number of rows you desire. 

Step 3: Click Add.

After specifying the number of rows to be added, click Add. This will add the number of rows specified at the bottom of your sheet. 

Here, you can see the last row has changed from 1019 to 3019. 

Method 4: Using F4

F4 essentially saves your last action and repeats it when pressed. This method is for you if you want to insert rows at different places but you do not want to repeat the steps every time.

Step 1: Insert a Row.

Identify where you want to insert a row. Highlight the row, right-click and select Insert X rows above or below. 

X will be replaced by the number of rows you’ve highlighted. 

Now, your sheet will have one row inserted at your desired location. 

Step 2: Press F4.

Your last action will be saved. Pressing F4 will now repeat the action. In this instance, pressing F4 will insert a row. 

Select a different row and press F4 to repeat the last action. 

Method 5: Using Macros

Macros are similar in function to F4. However, F4 only saves and repeats your last action. Macros can record and repeat a set of actions. 

Step 1: Select Record Macros.

Go to Tools in your main menu bar which will open a drop-down. Select Macros and Record macro. 

After you click, Record Macros, you can see a dialog box at the bottom. This means that Google Sheets is ready to record your actions. 

Step 2: Record your Actions and Click Save.

If you need to insert a row at specific places, do them once here. They will be recorded by the Macros. 

For instance, two rows have been inserted and Macros has recorded them. Click save to save the actions. 

This will open up a dialog box for you to rename the recording. You can also create a shortcut by assigning a number to it. 

Step 3: Apply the Saved Macro.

Go to Tools and select Macros, you can find the saved macros below Import. If you have multiple macros, select the one you want. 

After selecting the macro, you can see the script running to apply the changes. If this is your first time running a macro, you may be prompted to give access. 

The Finished script indicates that the macro has completed all the recorded actions. You can see that the rows have been inserted at the same place as before. 

Method To Remove Multiple Rows

You don’t want the rows in between the cells? No issue. Use the following steps to get rid of them:

Step 1: Highlight the number of rows to be deleted.

Select the rows to be deleted as demonstrated above. 

Step 2: Select the Delete Rows option.

When you Right-Click on a select cell, you will get the pop-up menu as before. Under the Insert Rows options, you’ll find Delete rows. The option will indicate the row numbers you’ve selected to delete. 

In the present example, rows 9-16 have been marked for deletion. Hence, the option shows Delete Rows 9-16. 

That’s it! The selected rows will get deleted. 

Wrapping Up

Google has made using Sheets very convenient for everyone. The simple method to add multiple rows is one of the features behind that convenience. You can now easily add and remove the required number of rows. 

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