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Insert Row Shortcut Excel Users Need

ExcelExcelRows and tablesChecked 2 Nov 2026

Select the row

ShiftSpace

Insert above it

CtrlPlus

Ribbon keys

AltHI

Then R, one after another

Repeat

F4

The insert row shortcut excel users rely on is two steps: press Shift + Space to select the whole row, then Ctrl + Plus to insert a new blank row above it. Excel pushes the rows below down and keeps formulas pointing to the right cells.

If you press Ctrl + Plus with just one cell selected, Excel asks what to insert; press R for entire row and Enter. To add several rows, select that many rows first.

Quick facts

  • Select row

    Shift + Space

  • Insert row

    Ctrl + Plus

  • From a single cell

    Ctrl + Plus, then R

  • Ribbon

    Alt, then H, then I, then R

  • Repeat

    F4

  • Delete a row

    Ctrl + Minus

Shortcut to insert row in Excel, step by step

  1. Click any cell in the row that should move down.
  2. Press Shift + Space. The whole row is highlighted.
  3. Press Ctrl + Plus. The Plus is the key with = on it; the number pad plus works too.
  4. A blank row appears above, and your data moves down by one.

On keyboards where Plus needs Shift, the same thing is Ctrl + Shift + =. Both do the same job.

Insert row shortcut excel keys for every case

Ways to add rows
SituationKeys
Whole row selectedCtrl + Plus
Only a cell selectedCtrl + Plus, then R, then Enter
Through the ribbonAlt, then H, then I, then R
Older menu keys, still acceptedAlt, then I, then R
Do it again on another rowF4 or Ctrl + Y
Inside a formatted tableCtrl + Plus adds a table row

Add many rows at once

To insert five rows, select five rows first: press Shift + Space, then Shift + Down four times, then Ctrl + Plus. Five blank rows appear above. This is much faster than inserting one at a time. For rows spread across the sheet, insert one and press F4 on each of the other places.

Adding a row at the very bottom of a table? Click the last cell and press Tab; Excel adds a new table row with all the formulas filled in.

Insert new row in Excel without breaking formulas

Formulas such as =SUM(B2:B20) grow automatically when you insert rows inside the range. If you insert just below the last row, the total may not include it. Converting the range to an Excel table (Ctrl + T) fixes that, because totals and formulas follow the table. The AutoSum guide shows how to check a total's range.

When the insert row shortcut does nothing

Problems and fixes
ProblemFix
Ctrl + Plus zooms insteadYou are in a browser version or another app; use Excel itself
Cannot shift non blank cellsThe last row of the sheet has data; delete it or check for stray formatting
Insert greyed outThe sheet is protected or several sheets are grouped
Inserted a column insteadYou had a column selected; press Ctrl + Z and select the row with Shift + Space
A school clerk forgot a student in the middle of a class list. She clicks the student below, presses Shift + Space and Ctrl + Plus, types the name, and the roll numbers formula below updates on its own.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut key to insert a row in Excel?
Shift + Space to select the row, then Ctrl + Plus.
How do I add a row in Excel without selecting the whole row?

Press Ctrl + Plus, then R and Enter.

How do I insert multiple rows?

Select as many rows as you need, then press Ctrl + Plus.

Does the new row go above or below?

Above the selected row.

How do I repeat inserting rows?

Press F4 on each new place.

How do I insert rows in Excel for Mac?

Control click the row number and choose Insert, or use Insert, then Rows from the menu bar.