The unhide shortcut in Excel for rows is Ctrl + Shift + 9. Select cells on both sides of the hidden rows, or the whole sheet with Ctrl + A, and press it. The hidden rows come back.
For columns, Ctrl + Shift + 0 is the official key, but on many Windows computers it does nothing because Windows uses Ctrl + Shift to switch keyboard languages. The reliable way is the ribbon sequence Alt, H, O, U, K. How to fix the blocked key is explained below.
Quick facts
Rows
Ctrl + Shift + 9Columns
Ctrl + Shift + 0 if not blockedColumns via ribbon
Alt, then H, then O, then U, then KRows via ribbon
Alt, then H, then O, then U, then LSheet
Alt, then H, then O, then U, then HSelect around first
Or the whole sheet with Ctrl + A
Every unhide shortcut in Excel
| Unhide | Shortcut | Ribbon keys (always work) |
|---|---|---|
| Rows | Ctrl + Shift + 9 | Alt, then H, then O, then U, then L |
| Columns | Ctrl + Shift + 0 | Alt, then H, then O, then U, then K |
| A sheet | No direct key | Alt, then H, then O, then U, then H |
Hiding uses the same numbers without Shift; see the hide shortcut in Excel.
How to unhide columns in Excel with the shortcut
- Select the columns on both sides of the hidden ones. For hidden column C, select B to D by dragging over the letters.
- Press Alt, then H, then O, then U, then K. Press them one after another, not together.
- Column C reappears. To unhide every hidden column, select all first.
Keyboard only? Click a cell in B, then Shift + Right twice to extend to D, before the ribbon keys.
Why Ctrl + Shift + 0 does not unhide columns
Windows can use Ctrl + Shift to switch between installed keyboard languages, such as English and Hindi. When that is turned on, Windows catches the keys before Excel sees them. To free the shortcut, open Settings, then Time and language, then Typing, then Advanced keyboard settings, then Input language hot keys. Change Between input languages so it does not use Ctrl + Shift, or set it to Not assigned. Excel's Ctrl + Shift + 0 will then work. The change language shortcut guide explains the language keys.
Unhide column A or row 1
Column A cannot be selected by dragging from its left, because nothing is there. Type A1 in the Name Box at the top left and press Enter, then use Alt, H, O, U, K. For row 1, do the same and finish with L instead. Selecting the whole sheet with Ctrl + A and unhiding also works.
When unhide does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Rows stay hidden | They are filtered, not hidden; clear the filter with Alt, then A, then C |
| Ctrl + Shift + 0 does nothing | Change the Windows input language hot key, or use the ribbon keys |
| Unhide is greyed out | The sheet is protected |
| Sheet list empty when unhiding | Very hidden sheets need the VBA editor; ask the file owner |
Our filter page explains filtering, and grouped columns in the Excel shortcut keys list.
Unhide in Excel for Mac
Excel for Mac uses Control + Shift + 9 for rows and Control + Shift + 0 for columns, and there is no language conflict there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut to unhide columns in Excel?
What is the shortcut to unhide rows in Excel?
Why is Ctrl + Shift + 0 not working?
Windows uses Ctrl + Shift for switching keyboard languages. Change that hot key in language settings.
How do I unhide all columns at once?
Select the whole sheet, then use the column unhide keys.
How do I unhide column A?
Type A1 in the Name Box, press Enter, then use the ribbon keys.
What is the hide and unhide shortcut in Excel?
Hide rows Ctrl + 9, columns Ctrl + 0; unhide with Shift added.