Hide Shortcut in Excel
When the data is large or summary table includes drill down summary we choose the option of grouping the columns and rows, so that if we required we can expand or collapse things to dig deep. However in certain cases we cannot group rows or columns rather we need to hide those rows and columns, so this task is often regular for regular excel users so maintaining the efficient way of doing this is very important. In this article, we will show you how to hide rows and columns in excel using the shortcut keys to work efficiently.
Hiding Rows and Columns in Excel
Excel has rows and columns, so we can hide these two things only apart from hiding worksheets, at the end we will also show you how to hide worksheets as well.
In a worksheet that contains data, we need to first decide what the row is and column that we need to hide accordingly we can hide those rows and columns. To hide rows and columns we have several methods, first, let me show you a manual way of hiding rows and columns in excel.
For example, look at the below data table.
Assume we need to hide column in excel “E” then first we need to select the column to hide the column.
Now go to the Home tab and click on the “Format” option.
Now we can see many different “Format” options, under “Visibility”, choose “Hide & Unhide” and then choose “Hide Columns”
Now the selected column will be hidden.
Similarly for rows too first we need to choose the row that we wish to hide then follow the same steps and select “Hide Rows” instead of “Hide Columns”.
This option looks lengthy, isn’t it? Going through all the above steps is frustrating but we have next-level options as well. After selecting the column that we need to hide right click on that column header and choose “Hide” option.
This will hide the selected excel column.
Now assume we need to hide row number 5, then first select that row and right-click.
Now the selected row will be hidden.
This option looks much better isn’t it??
Now we will show you an even quicker excel option i.e. by using shortcut keys.
Hide Rows & Columns Using Shortcut Keys in Excel
A shortcut is very important to save a lot of time and hiding rows & columns are no different either. In earlier cases, we need to select the row or column before we choose the hide option, but using excel shortcuts we need not do all these.
The shortcut keys to hide rows & columns in excel are as below.
To Hide Excel Column: “Ctrl + 0”
To Hide Excel Row: “Ctrl + 9”
One thing we need to keep in mind here is 0 & 9 should be pressed from keyboard numbers, not from the number pad of the keyboard.
Ok, now we know about excel shortcut keys.
Assume we need to hide column “D”, so select any of the cells in this column first.
I have selected the cell D3, now hold Ctrl key and press 0. As soon as you press the shortcut key column “D” is hidden.
Now assume we need to hide row number 5, so select any of the cells in this row.
I have selected a C5 cell, so row number 5 is active now. By holding the Ctrl key press number 9 from keyboard numbers.
Here you can see the overview of rows and columns.
Ok, we have seen how to use shortcut keys effectively now assume we need to hide multiple rows and column which are not in continuous rows or columns.
Hide Multiple Rows and Columns in Excel
For an example if we need to hide columns “E” & “F” we can select both these continuous columns and simply hide it, similarly if we want to hide row 5 & 6 we can select these continuous rows and hide it if we want to hide column “E”, column “B”, column “G” and rows like row number “4”, row number “6”, row number 2 we need to use different strategy.
Now let’s select one cell in each column that we need to hide.
Note: Hold the control key and select each cell in respective columns to select multiple cells.
In the above image I have selected B3, E3, and G3 cells, after selecting the cells simply press the shortcut key Ctrl + 0.
As you can see above we all the selected cells columns are hidden.
Similarly, select row numbers.
I have chosen A2, A4, and A6 cells, now press Ctrl + 9 to hide selected cells rows.
There you go shortcut key has hidden rows of selected excel cells.
Things to Remember
- Numerical values 0 & 9 should be pressed from keyboard numbers, not from separate number pad of the keyboard.
- In the case of multiple rows & columns hiding, we need to select respective rows and columns cells then use the shortcut key to hide.
