How to Delete Rows in Google Sheets (One, Many or Blank)

Every spreadsheet collects clutter: test entries, cancelled orders, blank rows left behind after a copy and paste, duplicate sign-ups. Deleting rows is simple, but it's also one of the few spreadsheet jobs that can quietly break things, because formulas and charts elsewhere may be pointing at the rows you remove.

Here's how to delete one row, several rows, and rows on your phone, plus how to get them back if you delete the wrong ones.

Deleting a single row in Google Sheets on a computer

Google's Docs Editors Help gives this route:

1. Open the spreadsheet.
2. Right-click the row number on the left, or any cell in that row.
3. Choose Delete row from the menu that appears.

The rows underneath move up to fill the gap. If you only want to empty the cells and keep the row in place, don't use Delete row. Select the cells and press Delete on your keyboard instead, which clears the contents.

Deleting several rows at once in Google Sheets

To remove a block of rows next to each other, click the first row number, hold Shift and click the last one. To pick rows that aren't next to each other, Google's help says to hold Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) and click each one.

1. Select the rows you want to remove.
2. Right-click any of the selected row numbers.
3. Choose the delete option for the selected rows.

Before you click, glance at the highlighted row numbers down the left. It's the easiest way to catch one row too many.

Deleting rows in the Google Sheets app

Device	Google's steps
Android	Touch and hold the row you want to delete, then tap Delete in the menu that appears
iPhone and iPad	Tap the row, then in the menu tap the right arrow and choose Delete row

On a small screen, tap the row number at the far left rather than a cell, so you know the whole row is selected.

Clearing out blank rows in Google Sheets

Hunting for empty rows one by one is tedious. Two tidier approaches use tools from Google's sort and filter help:

• Sort the range: highlight the data, freeze the header row if you have one, click Data, then Sort range, then Advanced range sorting options, tick Data has header row, pick a column and click Sort. Blank rows usually end up together, so you can select and delete them in one go.
• Filter first: select the range, click Data, then Create a filter, and use the filter on a column to show only the rows you want to remove. Then delete them together.

One caution from Google: when you add a filter, anyone with access to the spreadsheet will see it too. If you're working in a shared sheet, remove the filter when you're done, or use a filter view, which Google says only applies to your own view.

Undoing a row you deleted by mistake

If you notice straight away, undo is your friend. If you only spot it later, Google's version history can bring the whole sheet back to an earlier state:

1. Click Last edit at the top right of the spreadsheet.
2. Choose an earlier version in the panel on the right.
3. Click Restore this version, then Restore.

Google notes that you need permission to edit the file to browse earlier versions. Restoring rolls back every change since that point, not just the deleted row, so I'd copy the missing row from the old version and paste it back if other work has happened since.

What deleting rows does to formulas and charts

Formulas that refer to a deleted cell can show an error once the cell has gone. Totals that cover a range usually shrink to fit, but it's worth checking. If you've got a total at the bottom of a column, my guide on the SUM function in Google Sheets explains how ranges work, which makes it easier to spot when one's been cut short.

• Check any total rows after a big delete.
• Check charts that draw from the range.
• Look for error messages in cells that pointed at the removed rows.

Deleting rows safely in shared business spreadsheets

In a sheet the whole team uses, deleting can be confusing for everyone else. I prefer marking rows as finished rather than deleting them, at least until the end of the week. A tick box column does this nicely, and my walkthrough on how to add a checkbox in Google Sheets sets one up. Then you can filter out ticked rows or delete them in one batch when you're sure.

Adding rows back after a clear-out

Deleted too many and need some empty space again? Google's help says you can highlight the number of rows you want, right-click and choose the insert option with that number, such as Insert 5 rows above or below. It's quicker than adding them one at a time, and the rows land exactly where you need them. Then paste back anything you rescued from version history.

Moving rows instead of deleting them

Sometimes you don't want a row gone; you want it out of the way. Google says you can select rows, click Edit and choose a direction such as Move row up, or simply drag the row to a new place. Moving finished jobs to the bottom keeps the history without cluttering the top of the sheet.

Frequently asked questions

How do I delete a row in Google Sheets?

Right-click the row number and choose Delete row. The rows below move up to fill the space.

How do I delete multiple rows at once?

Select the rows with Shift or Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac), right-click a selected row number and choose the delete option.

How do I delete a row on my phone?

On Android, touch and hold the row and tap Delete. On iPhone and iPad, tap the row, then the right arrow, then Delete row.

Can I get a deleted row back?

Yes. Use undo straight away, or click Last edit and restore an earlier version. Google says you need edit permission to browse versions.

What's the difference between deleting and clearing a row?

Delete row removes the row and shifts everything up. Clearing empties the cells but keeps the row in place.