Recommended Free Tools
In Excel, inserting a row adds a blank row above the selected row; inserting a column adds a blank column to the left of the selected column. Existing worksheet cells shift to make room. “XL Insert” is not established as the name of a separate Excel product or feature; it usually refers to these insert commands. If you saw xlShiftDown in VBA, that is a constant specifying how cells shift during an insertion.
What “XL Insert” means in Excel
Excel’s row and column insert commands make space in a worksheet by shifting existing cells. A whole-row insertion affects the worksheet row; a whole-column insertion affects the worksheet column. These are different from inserting only a selected range of cells, which shifts nearby cells down or to the right without inserting an entire worksheet row or column.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Microsoft documents the standard row and column commands for Microsoft 365, Excel 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016. Its Mac instructions cover Microsoft 365 for Mac, Excel 2024 for Mac, and Excel 2021 for Mac.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How to insert a row or column
Insert one row
- Select a cell in the row that should move down.
- Choose Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Rows, or right-click the row number and choose Insert.
Excel inserts the blank row above the selected row.
#1 Best Overall
- Over 215 Microsoft Windows Excel Shortcuts
- Two-Sided Durable Laminiated Sheet
- Designed for Excel on a Windows Computer
Insert one column
- Select a cell in the column that should move right.
- Choose Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Columns, or right-click the column heading and choose Insert.
Excel inserts the blank column to the left of the selected column.
Insert several rows or columns
Select as many row numbers or column headings as the number of rows or columns you want to add, then use the corresponding Insert command. Excel inserts the same number of rows above the selected rows or columns to the left of the selected columns.
Rank #2
- Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
- Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
- Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
- Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.
Whole rows, whole columns, or only cells?
Choose the operation based on what should move. Inserting a whole row or column shifts the worksheet content across that full band. To move only part of a sheet, select the cells and use the cell-insertion command; Excel shifts nearby cells down or right. Microsoft’s row and column instructions distinguish these operations.
What happens to formatting and references?
By default, Excel can carry formatting from the selected row or column into the new one. Use the Insert Options button that appears after insertion to choose a different formatting outcome. Microsoft’s Mac instructions also state that cell references adjust automatically to account for inserted rows, columns, or cells.
Rank #3
- EXCEL SHORTCUTS. ZERO SEARCHING. – Our bestselling reference mat puts an extensive collection of commonly used commands, formulas and helpful tricks directly beneath your fingertips so you can find answers fast, work smarter and stay in the flow.
- YOUR DESK. SMARTER. – Clearly organized sections for navigation, selection, formatting, data and functions make it easy to find the right Excel command exactly when you need it.
- LEARN, WORK & RESET – Built-in desk-exercise diagrams give you 10 quick ways to stretch, recharge and return to work feeling sharper.
- ROOM TO WORK & CREATE – The extended 31.5 x 11.8-inch Pixiecube desk mat fits a laptop or keyboard and mouse, while the soft 2 mm surface adds comfort and protects your desktop.
- BUILT FOR REAL-WORLD WORKDAYS – A rugged stitched edge helps prevent fraying, and the water-resistant, stain-resistant surface protects against scratches, spills and everyday wear—because smarter desks should work harder.
What does xlShiftDown mean?
xlShiftDown is an Excel VBA constant used with the Range.Insert method to specify that cells should shift downward. The method also accepts xlShiftToRight. If the shift direction is omitted, Excel determines it from the shape of the inserted range.
VBA also lets you set the formatting origin with xlFormatFromLeftOrAbove or xlFormatFromRightOrBelow. There is no CopyOrigin value for clearing formatting; Microsoft’s guidance is to call ClearFormats after insertion when that is the desired result. See Microsoft Learn’s Range.Insert method reference.
Rank #4
- Efficient Media Controls: The Wired Keyboard 600, designed by Microsoft, features a Media Center with four hot keys for easy control of play/pause, volume up, volume down, and mute functions.
- Quiet and Responsive Keys: Enjoy a comfortable typing experience with quiet, thin-profile keys that are both responsive and efficient.
- Convenient Shortcuts: Quickly access common tasks with dedicated shortcut keys, including a calculator hot key and a Windows start screen key.
- Spill-Resistant Design: Work confidently with a spill-resistant design that protects your keyboard from accidental messes.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: No software needed—just connect the keyboard to your PC and start using it right away, with a full number pad for efficient data entry.
Excel worksheet row and column limits
Microsoft lists a maximum of 1,048,576 rows and 16,384 columns per worksheet. These are worksheet limits, not the number of rows or columns added by an individual insert operation.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 💻 ✔️ EVERY ESSENTIAL SHORTCUT - With the SYNERLOGIC Reference Keyboard Shortcut Sticker, you have the most important shortcuts conveniently placed right in front of you. Easily learn new shortcuts and always be able to quickly lookup commands without the need to “Google” it.
- 💻✔️ Work FASTER and SMARTER - Quick tips at your fingertips! This tool makes it easy to learn how to use your computer much faster and makes your workflow increase exponentially. It’s perfect for any age or skill level, students or seniors, at home, or in the office.
- 💻 ✔️ New adhesive – stronger hold. It may leave a light residue when removed, but this wipes off easily with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Fewer air bubbles – for the smoothest finish, don’t peel off the entire backing at once. Instead, fold back a small section, line it up, and press gradually as you peel more. The “peel-and-stick-all-at-once” method only works for thin decals, not for stickers like ours.
- 💻 ✔️ Compatible and fits any brand laptop or desktop running Windows 10 or 11 Operating System.
- 💻 ✔️ Original Design and Production by Synerlogic Electronics, San Diego, CA, Boca Raton, FL and Bay City, MI, United States 2020. All rights reserved, any commercial reproduction without permission is punishable by all applicable laws.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
