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Rows & columns shortcut

Delete cells, rows, or columns

Ctrl + - on Windows, ⌘ + - on Mac.

Very commonDifficulty 950 · Capable
Practice · 2 questions →

When to use it

Deletes cells, rows, or columns, shifting the rest to fill the gap.

The shape of it

Windows
Ctrl + -
Mac
⌘ + -

Worked examples

  • Delete a row

    Shift + Space, Ctrl + - → The row is removed

    Formulas below shift up.

  • Delete a column

    Ctrl + Space, Ctrl + - → The column is removed

    Formulas referencing it show #REF!.

  • Delete filtered rows

    Filter, select visible rows, Ctrl + - → Only the filtered rows are deleted

    A clean way to remove records.

Worth knowing

  • Delete key clears content; Ctrl + - removes the cells.
  • Check dependents with Ctrl + ] before deleting an input.
  • Undo restores deleted rows.

Where it goes wrong

  • #REF! in formulas that pointed at deleted cells.
  • A dialog appears when only cells are selected; pick the shift direction carefully.

Related

Ctrl + Shift + +Alt, H, O, ICtrl + 9Ctrl + 0Alt + Shift + →Ctrl + Shift + 9

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