How to Quickly Insert Multiple Rows in Excel

A simple trick everyone should know

If your work requires you to practically live in Excel sheets, you may be looking for ways to make repetitive tasks simpler. For instance, whenever you work with data that needs to be updated regularly, you’ll frequently need to add multiple rows.

In this guide, we’ll tell you how to insert multiple rows in Excel in a few quick and easy steps. Choose one that works best for you.

How to Insert Multiple Rows by Dragging Border Selection

This is the quickest way to insert multiple blank rows into your Excel sheet. It’s easy and doesn’t require using anykeyboard shortcutseither.

How to Insert Multiple Rows Using Excel Keyboard Shortcuts

If you don’t like the idea of multiple right-clicks while you work on your Excel sheet, there are two keyboard shortcuts you can use.

First, select the number of rows equal to the number of blank rows you want to enter. UseShift + Spaceto select all columns for the selected rows or select rows using row numbers on the left.

Then use either of the two shortcuts:

The shortcut method is scalable too. PressingF4on an Excel sheet repeats the previous action. You could use one of the above shortcuts to add, for instance, 10 rows and subsequently press F4 10 times to add 100 blank rows.

How to Insert Multiple Copied Rows Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you want to copy or cut multiple rows instead of adding blank rows, use theAlt + I + Eshortcut.

You could also use the following shortcuts instead of Alt + I + E (the process is the same regardless of which shortcut you use):

How to Insert Multiple Rows Using the Insert Option

To use this method, all you need to do is select the number of rows you want to add, right-click on the selection, and selectInsert.

If you have a lot of columns in your data, pressShift + Spaceto select all columns for the selected rows, or select the rows using the row numbers at the left of the worksheet.

When you selectInsert, Excel will insert rows above the first row that you selected.

If you want to enter a relatively larger number of blank rows, you could select a range and then use the Insert option. For instance, say you want to enter 500 rows.

How to Insert Multiple Rows Using an Excel Macro

If you’re working with a large dataset on a worksheet that you expect to use regularly, you could automate row insertion usingMacros. You don’t need to be an expert, though knowing thebasics of VBAcan give you a lot of power while you use Excel.

Before you start the process, check if the Excel ribbon at the top has a tab calledDeveloper. If it doesn’t, go toFiles>Options>Customize Ribbonand check the radio button besideDeveloper.

Sub InsertRowsAtCursor()Answer = InputBox(“How many Rows to insert? (100 Rows maximum)”)NumLines = Int(Val(Answer))

If NumLines > 100 ThenNumLines = 100End If

If NumLines = 0 ThenGoTo EndInsertLinesEnd If

DoSelection.EntireRow.InsertCount = Count + 1Loop While Count < NumLinesEndInsertLines:End Sub

Every time you want to insert multiple rows in Excel, just use the shortcut, enter the number of rows, and you’re done.

Inserting Multiple Rows in Excel

If you frequently use Excel, it’s worth learning about how you can save time on repetitive, mechanical tasks such as inserting rows. Since there are several ways to insert multiple rows in Excel, it’s just a matter of what method you feel comfortable with. If you’ve added a lot of blank lines within the data set, there are severalways to delete blank rows, too.

Arjun is a freelance writer based in India. After working as an equity research analyst, Arjun decided to do something that he has been passionate about – tech. He gets excited talking about and explaining how to solve everyday tech problems. His area of expertise is Windows and is a go-to for all things Excel.Read Arjun’s Full Bio

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