Insert a Row in Excel (Ctrl+Shift++ / ⌘⇧+)
Select a whole row, then press Ctrl+Shift+Plus on Windows or ⌘⇧+ (Command+Shift+Plus) on the Mac to insert a new row above it. With a column selected, the same shortcut inserts a column.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert row / column | ⌘⇧+ | Ctrl+Shift++ | |
| Select the whole row first | ⇧Space | Shift+Space | |
| Select the whole column first | ⌃Space | Ctrl+Space | |
| Delete the selected row / column | ⌘- | Ctrl+- | |
| Open the Insert dialog | ⌘⇧+ | Ctrl+Shift++ |
Add a row above the current one
Press ⇧Space to select the entire row, then Ctrl+Shift++ on Windows or ⌘⇧+ on the Mac. Excel pushes the selected row down and inserts a blank one above it. If no full row is selected, the shortcut opens the Insert dialog so you can choose.
Insert a column instead
Select the column with ⌃Space / Ctrl+Space first, then use the same Insert shortcut — the new column appears to the left. To remove a row or column, select it and press ⌘- / Ctrl+-.
FAQ
What is the insert row shortcut in Excel?
Select the row with Shift+Space, then press Ctrl+Shift+Plus on Windows or ⌘⇧+ on the Mac.
How do I insert a column instead?
Select the column with Ctrl+Space (⌃Space on Mac), then use the same Ctrl+Shift+Plus / ⌘⇧+ shortcut.
How do I delete a row with the keyboard?
Select the row and press Ctrl+- on Windows or ⌘- on the Mac.