How to Add Columns and Rows in Google Sheets

Mar 23, 2021

In this guide, we'll show you how to add both a column and a row to your spreadsheet in Google Sheets.

Can I add a blank column or row in Sheets without formatting?

When inserting a column or row, we've found that it's sometimes difficult to add a blank one, as they will often have the same formatting as those above or below it. So, we'll even help you out with adding a blank column or row in Google Sheets.

Google Workspace

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Choose where you want your new column.
Click on a column header next to it (one of the lettered cells at the top of the spreadsheet).
Right-click the column.
Choose to either Insert 1 left or Insert 1 right.

The column you add will be blank but have the same formatting as the column you selected.

To add a column without formatting in Google Sheets

Grab a blank column from further in the spreadsheet. Click and drag it to the location you want to place a blank column in the Google Sheet. Then, you can repeat the above steps, using that column to add new ones if needed.

Choose where you want your new row.
Click on the row header next to it (one of the numbered cells to the left of the spreadsheet).
Right-click the row.
Choose to either Insert 1 above or Insert 1 below.

The row you add will be blank but have the same formatting as the row you selected.

To add a row without formatting in Google Sheets

Grab a blank row from further down in the spreadsheet. Click and drag it to the location you want to place a blank row in the Google Sheet. Then, you can repeat the above steps, using that row to add new ones if needed.