How to Hide and Unhide Rows and Columns in Excel

Microsoft Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application used by millions of people worldwide for data analysis, reporting, budgeting, and record keeping. As spreadsheets grow in size and complexity, managing how information is displayed becomes increasingly important. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve readability and focus is by hiding and unhiding rows and columns.

Hiding rows and columns allows you to temporarily remove unnecessary or sensitive data from view without deleting it. This feature is especially useful when presenting reports, printing spreadsheets, or working with large datasets where not all information is needed at once. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about hiding and unhiding rows and columns in Excel, from basic methods to advanced tips and troubleshooting.

Understanding Hidden Rows and Columns

Before diving into the steps, it is important to understand what hiding means in Excel.

When you hide a row or column:

• The data remains intact and unchanged
• Formulas referencing hidden cells continue to work
• Hidden data is not deleted
• You can restore it at any time by unhiding

Hiding is purely a visual control feature, not a security measure. Anyone with access to the file can unhide rows or columns unless additional protections are applied.

Why Hide Rows and Columns in Excel?

There are many practical reasons to hide rows and columns, including:

• Reducing clutter in large worksheets
• Focusing on key data while temporarily removing irrelevant information
• Improving presentation quality for meetings or reports
• Preparing spreadsheets for printing
• Organizing supporting data, such as lookup tables or calculations
• Managing complex financial models without deleting components

Hiding rows and columns is a flexible solution that allows you to work more efficiently without permanently altering your spreadsheet.

How to Hide Rows in Excel

Method 1: Hiding Rows Using the Right-Click Menu

This is the most common and beginner-friendly method.

Steps:

1. Select the row number(s) on the left side of the worksheet
2. Right-click on the selected row header
3. Click Hide from the context menu

The selected row(s) will immediately disappear from view.

Tip: To hide multiple rows, click and drag over several row numbers or hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) while selecting non-adjacent rows.

Method 2: Hiding Rows Using the Ribbon

Excel’s Ribbon also provides a clear path to hide rows.

Steps:

1. Select the row(s) you want to hide
2. Go to the Home tab
3. In the Cells group, click Format
4. Choose Hide & Unhide
5. Select Hide Rows

This method is useful if you prefer working with menus rather than right-click options.

Method 3: Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Hide Rows

Keyboard shortcuts can save time, especially for frequent Excel users.

Steps:

1. Select the row(s)

2. Press Ctrl + 9 (Windows)

   • On Mac: Command + 9

The rows will be hidden instantly.

How to Hide Columns in Excel

Method 1: Hiding Columns Using Right-Click

Steps:

1. Select the column letter(s) at the top of the worksheet
2. Right-click the selected column header
3. Click Hide

The selected column(s) will disappear.

Method 2: Hiding Columns Using the Ribbon

Steps:

1. Select the column(s)
2. Go to the Home tab
3. Click Format in the Cells group
4. Select Hide & Unhide
5. Click Hide Columns

Method 3: Keyboard Shortcut for Hiding Columns

Steps:

1. Select the column(s)

2. Press Ctrl + 0 (Windows)

   • On Mac: Command + 0

Note: Some versions of Excel or operating systems may block this shortcut due to system-level conflicts.

How to Unhide Rows in Excel

Method 1: Unhiding Rows Using Right-Click

If you know where the hidden rows are located:

Steps:

1. Select the rows above and below the hidden row(s)
2. Right-click the selection
3. Click Unhide

The hidden rows will reappear.

Method 2: Unhiding Rows Using the Ribbon

Steps:

1. Select the surrounding rows or the entire sheet
2. Go to the Home tab
3. Click Format
4. Choose Hide & Unhide
5. Select Unhide Rows

This method is especially useful if you are unsure which rows are hidden.

Method 3: Keyboard Shortcut to Unhide Rows

Steps:

1. Select the rows surrounding the hidden rows

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + 9 (Windows)

   • On Mac: Command + Shift + 9

How to Unhide Columns in Excel

Method 1: Unhiding Columns Using Right-Click

Steps:

1. Select the columns on both sides of the hidden column
2. Right-click
3. Click Unhide

Method 2: Unhiding Columns Using the Ribbon

Steps:

1. Select the surrounding columns or entire worksheet
2. Go to the Home tab
3. Click Format
4. Choose Hide & Unhide
5. Select Unhide Columns

Method 3: Keyboard Shortcut to Unhide Columns

Steps:

1. Select adjacent columns

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + 0 (Windows)

   • On Mac: Command + Shift + 0

How to Hide and Unhide Multiple Rows or Columns at Once

Excel allows you to work with multiple rows or columns efficiently.

Hiding Multiple Rows or Columns

• Select a continuous range by dragging
• Select non-adjacent ranges by holding Ctrl or Command
• Apply hide using right-click, Ribbon, or keyboard shortcut

Unhiding Multiple Rows or Columns

• Select the range containing hidden rows or columns
• Use Unhide from the right-click menu or Ribbon

Hiding Rows and Columns Using Column Width and Row Height

Another technique involves adjusting size values.

Hiding a Row by Row Height

1. Right-click the row number
2. Select Row Height
3. Enter 0
4. Click OK

Hiding a Column by Column Width

1. Right-click the column letter
2. Select Column Width
3. Enter 0
4. Click OK

To unhide, reset the height or width to a positive number.

How to Find Hidden Rows and Columns

Hidden rows and columns can sometimes be difficult to identify.

Visual Indicators

• Missing row numbers or column letters
• A double line between visible rows or columns

Selecting the Entire Worksheet

• Click the Select All button (top-left corner)
• Use Home > Format > Hide & Unhide > Unhide Rows/Columns

This ensures everything hidden is restored.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Cannot Unhide Rows or Columns

Possible causes:

• Worksheet is protected
• Workbook structure is protected
• Rows or columns are filtered, not hidden

Solution:

• Go to Review > Unprotect Sheet
• Check if filters are applied

Hidden Rows Not Printing

Excel does not print hidden rows or columns by default. If data is missing in printouts:

• Unhide the rows or columns
• Or adjust the print area

Best Practices for Hiding and Unhiding Rows and Columns

• Use hiding for temporary organization, not security
• Clearly label sections so users know data exists
• Avoid hiding critical data without documentation
• Combine hiding with grouping and outlining for better control
• Unhide all rows and columns before sharing files unless intentional

Hiding vs Deleting: Key Differences

Understanding this distinction helps prevent accidental data loss.

Conclusion

Hiding and unhiding rows and columns in Excel is a fundamental skill that significantly improves spreadsheet organization, readability, and usability. Whether you are working with simple tables or complex financial models, this feature allows you to focus on what matters without permanently altering your data.

By mastering the different methods—right-click menus, Ribbon options, keyboard shortcuts, and size adjustments—you can work faster and more confidently in Excel. Combined with best practices and awareness of common issues, hiding and unhiding becomes a powerful tool in your Excel workflow.

As your spreadsheets grow more advanced, these small techniques will make a noticeable difference in efficiency, clarity, and professionalism.