[Excel Shortcut] Delete Empty Rows Fast (Windows & Mac)

Written by Kasper Langmann

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that can help you manage and analyze data. However, it can also be a bit tricky to navigate if you’re not familiar with its many features and shortcuts. One common task that can be time-consuming if you don’t know the shortcuts is deleting empty rows. Whether you’re working on a Windows or Mac computer, there are quick and easy ways to get rid of these unnecessary rows and keep your spreadsheet clean and organized.

Understanding the Importance of Deleting Empty Rows

Before we dive into the shortcuts, it’s important to understand why you might want to delete empty rows in the first place. Empty rows can cause problems when you’re sorting data, creating graphs, or performing calculations. They can also make your spreadsheet look messy and disorganized, which can be distracting if you’re trying to analyze your data.

Furthermore, empty rows can take up unnecessary space in your spreadsheet and slow down your computer. This is especially true if you’re working with large datasets. By deleting empty rows, you can make your spreadsheet more efficient and easier to work with.

Deleting Empty Rows in Excel: The Basics

Before we get into the shortcuts, let’s cover the basic method of deleting empty rows in Excel. This method works on both Windows and Mac computers, and while it’s not the fastest way to delete empty rows, it’s a good starting point if you’re new to Excel.

To delete an empty row, you first need to select it. You can do this by clicking on the row number on the left side of the screen. Once the row is selected, you can delete it by right-clicking and selecting ‘Delete’ from the dropdown menu. This will remove the row and move any rows below it up.

While this method is straightforward, it can be time-consuming if you have a lot of empty rows to delete. That’s where the shortcuts come in.

Excel Shortcuts for Deleting Empty Rows

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the shortcuts. These methods are much faster and can save you a lot of time if you’re working with large spreadsheets.

Shortcut for Windows

If you’re using a Windows computer, you can use the ‘Go To Special’ feature to quickly select and delete all empty rows. Here’s how:

  1. Select the range of cells where you want to delete empty rows.
  2. Press ‘F5’ on your keyboard. This will open the ‘Go To’ dialog box.
  3. Click on ‘Special’ at the bottom left corner of the dialog box.
  4. Select ‘Blanks’ and click ‘OK’. This will select all empty cells in the range you specified.
  5. Right-click on one of the selected cells and choose ‘Delete’.
  6. In the ‘Delete’ dialog box, select ‘Entire row’ and click ‘OK’. This will delete all selected empty rows.

Shortcut for Mac

If you’re using a Mac, the process is slightly different but just as quick. Here’s how:

  1. Select the range of cells where you want to delete empty rows.
  2. Press ‘Command + G’ on your keyboard. This will open the ‘Go To’ dialog box.
  3. Click on ‘Special’ at the bottom left corner of the dialog box.
  4. Select ‘Blanks’ and click ‘OK’. This will select all empty cells in the range you specified.
  5. Right-click on one of the selected cells and choose ‘Delete’.
  6. In the ‘Delete’ dialog box, select ‘Entire row’ and click ‘OK’. This will delete all selected empty rows.

Additional Tips and Tricks

While the shortcuts above are the fastest ways to delete empty rows in Excel, there are a few additional tips and tricks that can make the process even easier.

First, if you’re working with a large dataset, it can be helpful to sort your data before you start deleting rows. This can make it easier to identify and select empty rows. To sort your data, simply select the range of cells you want to sort, click on the ‘Data’ tab at the top of the screen, and choose ‘Sort A to Z’ or ‘Sort Z to A’.

Second, if you’re deleting multiple rows at once, you can speed up the process by selecting multiple rows before you delete them. To do this, click on the first row number, hold down the ‘Shift’ key on your keyboard, and click on the last row number. This will select all rows in between, and you can then delete them all at once.

Finally, remember to save your work regularly. Excel doesn’t automatically save your changes, so it’s important to save your spreadsheet often to avoid losing your work.

Conclusion

Deleting empty rows in Excel doesn’t have to be a time-consuming task. By using the shortcuts and tips provided in this guide, you can quickly and easily clean up your spreadsheets and make your data easier to work with. Whether you’re using a Windows or Mac computer, these shortcuts can save you time and make your Excel experience more efficient.

So the next time you’re faced with a spreadsheet full of empty rows, don’t despair. Just use these shortcuts and you’ll have a clean, organized spreadsheet in no time.