How to Unhide a Row in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever been working in Excel and accidentally hid a row, then couldn’t figure out how to get it back? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. Unhiding a row in Excel is a simple task that can be completed in just a few clicks. After reading this brief overview, you’ll know exactly how to unhide those pesky hidden rows.

Step by Step Tutorial to Unhide a Row in Excel

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might need to unhide a row in Excel. Maybe you hid it by accident, or maybe you inherited a spreadsheet with hidden rows. Either way, unhiding a row will allow you to see and work with all the data in your spreadsheet.

Step 1: Select the Rows

Click on the row numbers above and below the hidden row.

When you can’t see the row you’re looking for, it’s likely that it’s been hidden. To unhide it, you’ll need to select the rows surrounding it. Click on the row number above the hidden row, hold down your ‘Shift’ key, and click on the row number below. This selects both rows and everything in between, including the hidden row.

Step 2: Right-Click

Right-click on the selected rows.

Once you’ve selected the rows, you’ll need to bring up the menu that allows you to unhide them. To do this, simply right-click on the row numbers you’ve selected. This will open a small menu with several options.

Step 3: Click ‘Unhide’

From the menu, click ‘Unhide’.

In the menu that appears after right-clicking, you’ll see an option that says ‘Unhide’. Click on this, and voilà! The hidden row will reappear. It’s that easy.

After completing these steps, the hidden row should now be visible. You’ll be able to see any data that was in that row, and you can continue working on your spreadsheet without any missing information.

Tips to Unhide a Row in Excel

  • If you have a lot of hidden rows, you can select the entire sheet by clicking the corner button above row numbers and to the left of column letters, then right-click and select ‘Unhide’ to reveal all hidden rows.
  • Double-check that you’re clicking on the correct rows. It’s easy to select the wrong ones, especially if there are multiple hidden rows.
  • If you’re still having trouble, try clicking on ‘Format’ on the Home tab, then under ‘Visibility’, click ‘Hide & Unhide’, and select ‘Unhide Rows’.
  • Remember that if you have filters applied, it might be hiding rows as well. Make sure to clear all filters if you want to see every row.
  • Keyboard shortcuts can make this process faster. Try using ‘Ctrl + Shift + 9’ to unhide selected rows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if ‘Unhide’ is greyed out?

If the ‘Unhide’ option is greyed out, it means there are no hidden rows within the range you selected. Try expanding your selection or checking for filters.

Can I unhide multiple rows at once?

Yes, you can unhide multiple rows at once by selecting a range that includes all the hidden rows you want to unhide, then right-clicking and choosing ‘Unhide’.

What does it mean if unhiding rows doesn’t work?

If unhiding rows doesn’t work, it’s possible that the rows are not actually hidden, but the row height is set to a very small number. Try adjusting the row height manually.

Can hiding and unhiding rows affect my data?

No, hiding and unhiding rows does not affect the data in those rows. It only changes the visibility of the rows on your screen.

Are there keyboard shortcuts for unhiding rows in Excel?

Yes, you can use ‘Ctrl + Shift + 9’ as a keyboard shortcut to unhide selected rows in Excel.

Summary

  1. Select the Rows
  2. Right-Click
  3. Click ‘Unhide’

Conclusion

Unhiding a row in Excel is a straightforward task that can save you from a lot of frustration. Whether you’re cleaning up a spreadsheet or trying to find hidden data, knowing how to unhide rows is a useful skill for any Excel user. Remember to check for filters, make sure you’ve selected the correct rows, and use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process. With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll be an Excel pro in no time! If you’ve found this article helpful, consider diving deeper into Excel’s capabilities and uncovering more ways to optimize your workflow. Happy spreadsheeting!

Get Our Free Newsletter

How-to guides and tech deals

You may opt out at any time.
Read our Privacy Policy