Is It Possible to Add Multiple Rows Anywhere on the Sheet?
You may have seen that at the bottom of your sheet, there’s an option to add more rows. The default number of rows that you can add this way is 1,000, but you can change this number if you need to. Unfortunately, these new rows will always be added at the bottom of the sheet, below any existing data.
So how to insert multiple rows in Google Sheets in any other place? It is possible, and very easy once you understand what you need to do. Read on, and we’ll tell you the steps.
How to Insert Multiple Rows in Google Sheets – Step by Step
Once you’ve opened your sheet, here’s how to insert multiple rows. These instructions might make you think “Why, Google, why?”, but just follow them, and you’ll soon be able to do it without thinking. We promise!
Step 1: Select a Number of Rows
Decide how many rows you would like to add. Then, highlight the same number of existing rows so that the selection ends right where you want to insert the new ones. For example, let’s say you want to insert 5 rows between the current Row 10 and Row 11. What you need to do is highlight Rows 6-10 or Rows 11-15. Why on earth? It will make sense when you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Click the “Insert” Tab
This is where the magic happens. With your rows selected, go to the “Insert” tab on the top menu bar. In the drop-down menu that appears, hover over “Rows.” There are two options: “Insert 5 rows above” and “Insert 5 rows below.” If you highlighted a different number of rows, then it will use that exact number instead of 5 – it’s just an example.
Step 3: Insert the New Rows
If you want your new rows to be inserted above the selection, choose the top option. If you want them to be inserted below the selection, choose the bottom option. So, let’s get back to our example:
- If you want to add 5 rows between Row 10 and Row 11, and you highlighted Rows 6-10, you need to select “Insert 5 Rows Below.” They’ll appear right under Row 10.
- If you highlighted Rows 11-15, choose “Insert 5 Rows Above,” and they’ll appear right above Row 11.
That’s it! You’ve learned how to insert multiple rows in Google Sheets. But there’s one more thing you should know. After highlighting the correct number of existing rows below the place you want the new ones, you can also right-click on the sheet. You’ll see the “Insert X rows above” option, but not “Insert X rows below.” Why? Only Google knows.
Is There a Keyboard Shortcut for That?
Unfortunately, there is no one keyboard shortcut for adding multiple rows. The best you can do is highlight a number of rows (according to the instructions above), then press these keys:
- Left Alt + I (This takes you to the “Insert” tab);
- R (This opens the “Rows” menu);
- R (This inserts rows above your selection) or B (This inserts rows below your selection).
If you often need to add multiple rows, memorizing these shortcuts can be helpful.
This concludes our quick tutorial on how to insert multiple rows in Google Sheets. We hope it was helpful and that you’ll be able to use this new skill in your work. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us know in the comments!
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