how to insert multiple rows in google sheets

Just to be clear, a row is a horizontal line of cells in Google Sheets. Each row has a number on the left (1, 2, 3, etc.), and each column has a letter on top (A, B, C, etc.).

Imagine this:

	A (Column)	B (Column)	C (Column)
1	Apples	Oranges	Bananas
2	Bread	Milk	Eggs
3	Carrots	Potatoes	Onions

Here, each horizontal line is a row (1, 2, 3). If I want to add new rows, I don’t want to do it one by one—I need a faster way. So, here’s how you do it.

Method 1: Right-Click to Insert Multiple Rows

This is probably the easiest method. Here’s what you do:

1. Click on the row number where you want the new rows.
2. If you need multiple rows, click and drag down to select more rows.
3. Right-click anywhere on the selection.
4. Click “Insert X Rows Above” or “Insert X Rows Below” (your choice).
5. Boom! New rows appear.

Super easy, right? But there’s a faster way…

Method 2: Use a Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest Way!)

If you love shortcuts (I do!), this is the fastest method.

1. Click on a row number (or select multiple rows).
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + “+” (Windows)
   OR
   Press Cmd + Shift + “+” (Mac).
3. Just like that, new rows are added!

This one is my favorite because you can spam the shortcut to add a bunch of rows quickly.

Method 3: Use the Menu Bar

Maybe you don’t like right-clicking or shortcuts—no worries! You can use the menu bar instead:

1. Click on a row number where you want the new rows.
2. Go to the “Insert” menu at the top.
3. Click “Row above” or “Row below”.
4. Done! Your new rows appear.

This method is easy but slower than the first two.

Method 4: Use a Google Script (For Advanced Users)

Okay, this one is for the tech-savvy people or if you need to insert tons of rows automatically.

Click Extensions > Apps Script.

Delete any code you see there.

Copy & paste this:

function insertRows() {
var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
var row = 3; // Change this to the row where you want to insert
var numRows = 5; // Change this to however many rows you need
sheet.insertRows(row, numRows);
}

Click Run, and it inserts rows automatically!

This is next-level stuff, so you probably won’t need it unless you work with huge spreadsheets.

Which Method is Best?

Method	Best For	Speed
Right-Click	Beginners	⭐⭐⭐
Keyboard Shortcut	Fast users	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Menu Bar	Simple & Easy	⭐⭐
Google Script	Advanced Users	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you want speed, go for the keyboard shortcut. If you want simplicity, stick with the right-click method.

Bonus Tips

• Undo Mistakes → Press Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) if you mess up.
• Copy & Paste Data → If you’re worried about losing data, copy and paste it somewhere else first.
• Delete Extra Rows → If you added too many rows, just select them, right-click, and delete.

Final Thoughts

Now you know four easy ways to insert multiple rows in Google Sheets! Whether you prefer right-clicking, using shortcuts, the menu bar, or even coding, you can do it fast.

Try them out and let me know which one works best for you.