Deleting empty rows in Excel is essential for keeping your spreadsheets organized and easy-to-use. However, deleting rows that contain some data can be disastrous. Excel allows you to delete only the completely empty rows in your spreadsheet by following some simple steps. In this blog, we will cover what’s needed to delete only completely empty rows in Excel, what you should pay attention to, 3 methods with detailed steps, why can’t I delete only completely empty rows in Excel, suggestions, and 5 frequently asked questions.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we begin, you need to ensure that you’re using a version of Excel that has the filter feature. This feature enables you to filter out empty rows. If you’re not sure whether you have the filter feature, check for the Filter button in the toolbar.
What should I pay attention to?
Before deleting empty rows, it’s important to back up your data to avoid losing any important information. You can either save a copy of your original spreadsheet or add a new sheet to your current workbook.
3 Methods to Delete Only Completely Empty Rows in Excel
Method 1: Using the filter feature
Explanation: This method involves using the filter feature to filter out the completely empty rows in your Excel spreadsheet.
Steps:
1. Select the entire range of cells in your spreadsheet.
2. Go to the Data tab and click on the "Filter" button.
3. Click on the arrow in the first column header and uncheck the "Select All" option.
4. Scroll down the list and check the "Blanks" option.
5. Click "OK" to filter out the empty rows.
6. Select all of the filtered rows by clicking on the "Select All" button.
7. Right-click on one of the row numbers and select "Delete" from the dropdown menu.
8. Select the "Entire Row" option and click "OK" to delete only the completely empty rows.
9. Remove the filter by clicking on the "Filter" button again.
Method 2: Using a formula
Explanation: This method involves using a formula to identify the completely empty rows in your Excel spreadsheet.
Steps:
1. Add a new column to your spreadsheet.
2. In the first cell of the new column, enter the formula =IF(COUNTA(A1:F1)=0,"DELETE","KEEP")
3. Drag the formula down to the last row of your spreadsheet.
4. Filter the new column by "DELETE" values.
5. Select all of the filtered rows by clicking on the "Select All" button.
6. Right-click on one of the row numbers and select "Delete" from the dropdown menu.
7. Select the "Entire Row" option and click "OK" to delete only the completely empty rows.
8. Remove the filter by clicking on the "Filter" button again.
9. Delete the new column you added.
Method 3: Using a macro
Explanation: This method involves creating a macro that will delete only the completely empty rows in your Excel spreadsheet.
Steps:
1. Press ALT + F11 to open the Visual Basic Editor.
2. In the left pane of the editor, select the worksheet in which you want to delete the empty rows.
3. Click on "Insert" from the menu bar and select "Module".
4. In the new module, paste the following code:
Public Sub RemoveBlankRows()
Dim LastRow As Long
Dim n As Long
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
LastRow = Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row
For n = LastRow To 1 Step -1
If WorksheetFunction.CountA(Rows(n)) = 0 Then
Rows(n).EntireRow.Delete
End If
Next n
Application.ScreenUpdating = True
End Sub
5. Close the Visual Basic Editor and go back to your Excel spreadsheet.
6. Press ALT + F8 to open the Macro dialog box.
7. Select the macro you just created (RemoveBlankRows) and click "Run".
8. The macro will delete only the completely empty rows in your spreadsheet.
Why Can’t I Delete Only Completely Empty Rows in Excel?
There are several reasons why you might not be able to delete only completely empty rows in your Excel spreadsheet:
1. Your version of Excel may not have the filter feature.
2. You may not have selected the entire range of cells in your spreadsheet.
3. You may not have removed all of the filters in your spreadsheet.
Suggestions
To avoid losing any important information, it’s always a good idea to back up your data before deleting any rows. Additionally, you can use the filter feature in Excel to quickly identify and delete only completely empty rows. It’s also recommended to use the formula and macro methods only if you’re familiar with them and comfortable working with them.
5 FAQs
Q: How do I identify completely empty rows?
A: You can use the filter feature or a formula to identify completely empty rows.
Q: Can I undo deleting rows in Excel?
A: Yes, you can use the undo function by pressing CTRL + Z or by clicking on the undo button in the toolbar.
Q: Can I delete multiple rows at once in Excel?
A: Yes, you can select multiple rows by holding down the CTRL key and clicking on the row numbers. Then, you can right-click on one of the row numbers and select "Delete" from the dropdown menu.
Q: Can I delete rows that contain some data?
A: Yes, you can delete rows that contain some data, but be sure to back up your data first to avoid losing any important information.
Q: How do I filter out multiple columns in Excel?
A: You can use the filter dropdowns in each column header to filter out data in multiple columns.
Conclusion
Deleting only completely empty rows in Excel is a simple process that can help you keep your spreadsheets organized and easy-to-use. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can quickly identify and delete only the completely empty rows in your spreadsheet. Be sure to back up your data before deleting any rows, and use caution when using the formula and macro methods.