The hide shortcut in Excel is Ctrl + 9 for rows and Ctrl + 0 for columns. Select any cell in the rows or columns you want out of sight and press the keys; the data is still there and formulas still use it.
Hiding is handy for printing a clean report or keeping working columns out of the way. To bring rows back, select across the gap and press Ctrl + Shift + 9. Columns are covered on the unhide in Excel page, because their shortcut is often blocked.
Quick facts
Hide rows
Ctrl + 9Hide columns
Ctrl + 0Unhide rows
Ctrl + Shift + 9Hide sheet
Alt, then H, then O, then U, then SSelect column first
Ctrl + SpaceSelect row first
Shift + Space
Every hide shortcut in Excel
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Hide selected rows | Ctrl + 9 |
| Hide selected columns | Ctrl + 0 |
| Unhide rows in the selection | Ctrl + Shift + 9 |
| Unhide columns in the selection | Ctrl + Shift + 0 (may be blocked) |
| Hide rows from the ribbon | Alt, then H, then O, then U, then R |
| Hide columns from the ribbon | Alt, then H, then O, then U, then C |
| Hide the active sheet | Alt, then H, then O, then U, then S |
| Unhide a sheet | Alt, then H, then O, then U, then H |
Shortcut to hide columns in Excel
- Click any cell in the column, or select several columns by holding Shift and pressing Right.
- Press Ctrl + 0. That is zero on the top row, not the letter O.
- The column letters skip, for example A, B, D, which shows C is hidden.
You do not need to select the whole column first; any cell in it is enough. If you prefer, select it with Ctrl + Space so you can see exactly what will go.
Shortcut to hide rows in Excel
Click a cell in the row, or several rows, and press Ctrl + 9. A double line appears between the row numbers where rows are hidden. To check which rows are missing, look for jumps in the numbers such as 4, 5, 9.
Hide columns using grouping instead
For columns you hide and show often, grouping is friendlier. Select the columns and press Shift + Alt + Right. A small minus button appears above them; click it to collapse and plus to expand. Shift + Alt + Left removes the group. Colleagues can see a group exists, while plain hidden columns are easy to miss.
When the hide shortcut key in Excel does nothing
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + 0 does nothing | Make sure you pressed zero on the top row, not the number pad with Num Lock off |
| Sheet is protected | Unprotect it under Review, or ask the owner |
| Rows reappear when filtering | Filters manage their own hidden rows; see the filter guide |
| Cannot hide the last visible sheet | A workbook needs at least one visible sheet |
Filters are explained in the Excel filter shortcut guide, and selecting whole columns in select column or row.
Hide in Excel for Mac
Excel for Mac uses Control + 9 to hide rows and Control + 0 to hide columns, with Shift added to unhide. The rest of the keys are on the Excel shortcut keys hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key to hide a column in Excel?
What is the shortcut to hide rows in Excel?
Does hiding delete data?
No. Hidden cells keep their data and formulas still use them.
How do I hide a whole sheet?
Press Alt, H, O, U, S, or right click the sheet tab and choose Hide.
How do I unhide hidden rows?
Select the rows on both sides and press Ctrl + Shift + 9.