What Is the Correct Keyboard Shortcut for Inserting Rows in Excel Without Using the Mouse?

[ronmurphy]

While working in spreadsheets, I want to speed things up by using the keyboard shortcut for inserting rows in excel. Do these shortcuts differ between Excel versions or operating systems, and are there faster alternatives for large datasets?

 

[TaylorTravels]

For Windows, select the entire row and press Ctrl + Shift + “+” that’s the most common one. On a Mac, it’s Control + “I” or Command + Shift + “K” depending on Excel version. Shortcuts can vary slightly in older builds, but those work for most current versions. If you’re inserting tons of rows, consider using Power Query or macros for automation.

 

[AngelinaFi]

The universally supported method on Windows is Ctrl+Shift++ with the row selected, which triggers Insert. On macOS, Excel has been inconsistent older uses Cmd+Shift+K, newer might use Control+I. Always check your version’s keyboard settings. For very large datasets, using VBA scripts or Excel Tables + Insert Above/Below can be much faster than repeating keystrokes.

 

[ArthurMex]

Wait wait so I just highlight the row numbers on the left and then press Ctrl + Shift + +? I tried it but nothing happened. I’m on a MacBook though… do I need to enable something first?

 

[Evelinawright]

Yeah, because what we really needed in life was a shortcut for inserting rows. Next you’ll ask how to make Excel bring you coffee. But seriously, Ctrl+Shift+Plus works if you actually select the row first. If not, Excel will pop up the insert dialog convenient? Debatable.

 

[Ghausmakin]

On Mac, it’s a bit annoying because Excel doesn’t unify shortcuts like Windows does. Try Cmd+Shift+K first that’s the one most Mac versions use by default. If that fails, check Help > Keyboard Shortcuts in Excel. You might even remap it in macOS settings if you want consistency.

 

[Eric]

If you’re inserting rows constantly, stop with the shortcuts go VBA. A tiny macro like:

Sub InsertRow()
Selection.EntireRow.Insert
End Sub

Bind it to whatever key you want. Boom instant rows with one key. Much better for big datasets.

 

[AnnisHayma]

Ctrl+Shift+Plus because Excel likes to make you feel like you’re doing math while you’re just trying to add rows.

 

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

But is this really “faster”? If you’re inserting 1 2 rows, sure. But for large datasets, I’d far prefer using Power Query to reshape tables rather than hammering a shortcut. Keyboard shortcuts aren’t a speed fix for bad data workflows.

 

[captainghost]

Windows: Ctrl+Shift+Plus
Mac: Cmd+Shift+K
That’s it.

 

[jimmy]

I just map row insertion to a custom hotkey in AutoHotkey (Windows) or Keyboard Maestro (Mac). Saves me tons of time no Excel version worries, no different OS gestures. Works everywhere.