Delete a Row in Excel (Ctrl+- / ⌘-)
Select the row, then press Ctrl+- (minus) on Windows or ⌘- (Command+minus) on the Mac to delete it and shift the rows below up.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select the whole row | ⇧Space | Shift+Space | |
| Delete the selected row | ⌘- | Ctrl+- | |
| Insert a row | ⌘⇧+ | Ctrl+Shift++ |
Delete a row with the keyboard
First select the entire row: click a cell in it and press Shift+Space. Then press Ctrl+- (minus) on Windows or ⌘- on the Mac. Excel removes the row and shifts everything below it up.
If you have not selected a full row
Pressing Ctrl+- on a single cell opens the Delete dialog so you can choose to shift cells up or left. Selecting the whole row first deletes it with no prompt.
FAQ
What is the delete row shortcut in Excel?
Select the row with Shift+Space, then press Ctrl+- on Windows or ⌘- on the Mac.
Why does a dialog appear?
If you have not selected the full row, Ctrl+- opens the Delete dialog. Select the whole row first to skip it.
How do I insert a row instead?
Select the row and press Ctrl+Shift++ on Windows or ⌘⇧+ on the Mac.