Delete the row in Excel: Shift+Space, Ctrl+-

Delete the row in Excel: Shift+Space, Ctrl+- (Mac: Shift+Space, Control+-)

Windows	`Shift+Space, Ctrl+-`
Mac	`Shift+Space, Control+-`
Group	editing

Practice this shortcut

Drill: Delete a duplicate row. Pro drill. Twenty-five drills are free.

What it does and when to use it

Shift+Space selects the row, Ctrl+Minus deletes it and everything below shifts up. With cells rather than a row selected, Ctrl+Minus asks which way to shift.

The common mistake

Deleting a row that a formula elsewhere refers to, which turns that formula into #REF!. Trace dependents (Ctrl+]) before deleting.

Related shortcuts

Undo Ctrl+Z
Fill down Ctrl+D
Fill right Ctrl+R
Clear the selection Delete
Insert a row Shift+Space, Ctrl+Shift+=
The printable cheat sheet

Questions

How do I delete several rows?

Select cells spanning them, Shift+Space, then Ctrl+Minus. Non-adjacent rows need Ctrl+click or a filter.

Learn it by pressing it

Shortcutdrill gives you a task on a live sheet and a limit on key presses, so the shortcut has to become a reflex. Twenty-five drills are free; Pro unlocks all 80 for $9 a month, $29 a year, or $49 once.

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