How to Delete Empty Rows in Excel

If you work with large data sets in Excel, you have probably come across empty rows. These empty rows may have been created by accident, or they may have been a result of filtering or sorting data. Regardless of how they got there, empty rows can make your spreadsheet harder to read and navigate. Deleting empty rows in Excel can save you time and make your data more organized. In this blog post, we will walk you through the simple steps to delete empty rows in Excel quickly and efficiently.

Introduction

How often do you work on large data sets in Excel and come across empty rows? It might be due to accidental creation while working on data or as a result of filtering or sorting the data. Whatever the cause, blank rows in Excel can clutter your spreadsheet, making it harder to read and navigate, and can also increase your file size. Fortunately, deleting empty rows in Excel is a simple process that can save you time and make your data more organized.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Delete Empty Rows in Excel

Step 1: Select the Range of Cells to Be Checked for Empty Rows

Click on any cell in the column that contains the empty rows you want to delete. Press Ctrl + Shift + ↓ (down arrow) to select the entire range of cells in the column until the bottom of the data range.

Step 2: Use Filtering to Show Only the Empty Rows

Click the “Data” tab on Excel’s ribbon and select “Filter.” Small drop-down arrows will appear in the header row of each cell in the selection. Click the arrow in the header row of the column with empty rows, then select “Blanks.” This step will filter your sheet to show only the empty rows, and you can confirm this by looking at the row numbers on the left of the Excel window.

Step 3: Highlight the Empty Rows to Be Deleted

Now that you have filtered your sheet to show only the empty rows, highlight all of these rows by clicking and dragging over the row numbers on the left side of Excel.

Step 4: Delete the Empty Rows

Press right-click on any highlighted row, then select “Delete.” This will remove all the selected rows that are empty, leaving you with a clean and organized table.

Key Takeaway

Deleting empty rows is a quick and easy way to clean up large datasets in Excel. Remember to always select the correct range of cells and Filter to show only the empty rows before pressing delete to ensure that you don’t accidentally delete important data in your Excel file.

Additional Tips for Deleting Empty Rows in Excel

Here are some additional tips that can help you in deleting empty rows in Excel:

Use the ‘Go to Special’ Command for Large Datasets

If you’re working with a large dataset, the filtering method may not be that efficient. In such cases, it’s best to make use of the ‘Go to Special’ command. Select an entire column in your spreadsheet, click on the ‘Find & Select’ button in the Home tab and select ‘Go to Special.’ In the dialog box, select ‘Blanks’ and then click ‘OK.’ Excel will select all the blank cells, and you can quickly delete them by right-clicking and selecting ‘Delete.’

Use a Macro

If you regularly work with Excel and need an efficient way of deleting empty rows, it’s worth considering writing a macro. A macro is a set of instructions that automate repetitive tasks in Excel. You can create a macro that will filter, highlight and delete empty rows automatically, saving time and reducing manual errors.

Deleting empty rows in Excel is a simple process that can help you save time and make your spreadsheet more organized and easier to read. You can do this using the filtering method, the ‘Go to Special’ command, or a macro. No matter the method you choose, always double-check your selection before deleting to ensure that you do not delete valuable data by mistake.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions when it comes to deleting empty rows in Excel:

Q: Can I delete multiple columns of empty rows at once?

A: Yes, you can! Simply select the range of cells that contain the multiple columns to be checked for empty rows, then use the filtering method or ‘Go to Special’ command to show only the blank cells. Highlight the rows to be deleted across the columns and press right-click and select “Delete.”

Q: Will deleting empty rows affect formulas in my Excel sheet?

A: If the formula is in the rows that are deleted, it will disappear, but formulas in other parts of the sheet will not be affected. If you are unsure, it’s best to double-check your formula references to ensure no errors will occur and that you have a backup of the original file before deleting empty rows.

Q: How do I insert a row in my Excel sheet?

A: To insert a new row in Excel, right-click on the row number below where you want to insert the new row. Select “Insert” from the context menu, and a new row will be added. If you want to insert multiple rows, select the number of rows you want to insert first before right-clicking and selecting “Insert.”

Q: Is it possible to delete hidden empty rows?

A: Yes, it is possible. However, you need to unhide the rows first before deleting them. To unhide rows, select the rows before and after the hidden rows, right-click, and select “Unhide.” Then, you can proceed to delete the empty rows using any of the methods discussed above.

Q: How do I delete empty rows in Google Sheets?

A: To delete empty rows in Google Sheets, use the filtering method to show only the rows you want to delete. Once you’ve filtered the rows, highlight them, right-click, and select “Delete.” This method is similar to what we have discussed in this article for Excel.