How to Insert Multiple Rows in Excel? The 4 Best Methods

Note: This guide on how to insert multiple rows in Excel is suitable for all Excel users. 

Have you ever wondered how to insert multiple rows in Excel in one go? In this tutorial, I am going to explain how to do just that. 

Also, I am going to talk about some lesser-known tricks and shortcuts about Excel rows. 

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I am confident that, by the end of this guide, you will be able to handle Excel rows like a pro. 

I’ll cover: 

1. Why Insert Multiple Rows in Excel?
2. How to Insert Multiple Rows in Excel? 
3. Excel Insert Row Shortcut
4. Excel Insert Row Shortcut for Tables
5. How to Add a Row in-between Rows Multiple Times in Excel?

Why Insert Multiple Rows in Excel?

Many times, you will come across situations where you need to insert new rows of data into your spreadsheet. This will become strenuous and time-consuming even while using the Excel insert row shortcut. 

That’s when these techniques will come in handy, especially when you have too many important tasks on your plate. All the things I am going to cover will help you save time and use Excel effectively. 

How to Insert Multiple Rows in Excel? 

The easiest way to insert multiple rows in Excel is to use the Insert menu options. Follow these steps to do this: 

Step 1: Select the rows where you want to insert the new blank rows. To easily do this, just select the first few cells and

use the shortcut Shift + Space to select entire rows.

Step 2: Click on the Insert icon in the Home tab. Another way to access the Insert icon is by 

right-clicking on the selection. 

Excel will insert blank rows in place of the rows you just selected. 

Step 3: Now that you have the empty rows ready, fill in the relevant data inside them to 

complete the spreadsheet. 

Also Read:

How to Use the Excel Fill Handle Easily? (Top 3 Uses with Examples)

How to Make a Line Graph in Excel? 4 Best Line Graph Examples

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Excel Insert Row Shortcut

The best way to fastly add multiple rows is to use keyboard shortcuts. They are: 

Step 1: Click and Select the Row cells where you want to add the new rows. Use Shift+Space. 

This will select the entire rows. 

Step 2: Press Alt+I

Step 3: Press Alt+R

That’s it. Excel will add multiple rows of blank data in the selected location. It is simple yet very effective. 

Do you want a simpler alternative shortcut? 

Just select the rows where you want to add new rows and click Ctrl plus “+”. 

Note: For some reason, this “+” has to be only from the keypad on your keyboard, for this to work properly. 

It cannot get simpler than this, isn’t it? 

Excel Insert Row Shortcut for Tables

Sometimes, you may need to add multiple rows, not for all columns but for a select data range. 

For example, in this case, I have a data range, which needs new rows to be added inside. But the problem here is that I have a separate set of data that is placed in an adjacent place on the worksheet. 

Now, If I add new columns for the entire worksheet range, it will affect the neighbouring data set as well. To avoid this, you need to convert your data range into a table before adding the rows. 

To do this, select the data range where you want to add multiple new rows and press “Ctrl+T”. This will convert your normal data into a table. 

Now, use Alt+H+I+A to add multiple rows at the place of your choice. The Ctrl plus “+”  option also works here. 

How to Add a Row in-between Rows Multiple Times in Excel?

Let’s say, for example, I have a spreadsheet where I need to insert a row in between every two rows. 

To do this easily just select entire rows by clicking on the row number with “Ctrl” simultaneously. 

Then, simply click on the Insert button under the Home tab. 

That’s it! Now Excel adds one empty row in between all the selected rows automatically. 

But, what if you need to add more than one row in between every two rows?

To do this you will need an additional column. 

In this additional column, assign serial numbers to all the rows in your data set. 

Next, copy the entire set of serial numbers and paste it at the end of the same column as many times as the number of rows you want to add. 

Now, go to Sort and sort your data using the additional column in ascending order. You have successfully added more than one row in between every two rows. 

You can delete the additional column if needed. 

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Closing Thoughts

These are all the different methods to insert multiple rows in Excel. If you have any questions about this or any other Excel feature, let us know in the comments. We are always happy to help. 

If you need more high-quality Excel guides, please check out our free Excel resources centre.

Simon Sez IT has been teaching Excel for over ten years. For a low, monthly fee you can get access to 100+ IT training courses. Click here for advanced Excel courses with in-depth training modules.