Tip of the week # 414
1 February 2014


Insert moved or copied rows or columns between existing cells - the easy way (Excel 2007-2013)

In Excel, there are various ways of inserting moved or copied rows or columns between existing cells. There are no Rights or Wrongs, Shoulds or Shouldn't - but Hard or Easy exists. So if you want to move or copy a row or a column between existing cells and you are still in the habit of first inserting a blank row, worried the cells that are copied replace the existing cells. there is an easy way.

Here's how:

  1. Select the row or the column that you want to move or copy.
  2. Move or Copy the cells, as normal. (CTRL+X or CTRL+C, anyone?)
  3. Click anywhere in the row below or column to the right of where the information is to appear.
  4. Click on the Insert button (not on the down arrow below the button) in the Cells group on the Home tab.

If you insert entire rows or columns, the surrounding rows and columns are shifted down and to the left.