All shortcuts
Delete Rows & Columns in Google Sheets
Windows
Ctrl+Shift+−
Mac
⌘+Shift+−
Deleting rows is the partner shortcut to inserting them — Ctrl + Minus in Excel. Google Sheets uses Ctrl + Alt + − instead, which Excel hands never find on their own.
XLKeys maps Ctrl + Shift + − in Google Sheets: select rows or columns, press it, gone. Combined with Shift + Space / Ctrl + Space selection, you can restructure a sheet entirely from the keyboard.
Excel vs. Google Sheets vs. XLKeys
| Where | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Excel | Ctrl+− (Ctrl+Minus) |
| Google Sheets (native) | Ctrl+Alt+− |
| Google Sheets + XLKeys | Ctrl+Shift+− |
Sheets’ native combo is Ctrl + Alt + − with a full row/column selected. XLKeys adds the Excel-style Ctrl + Shift + − so your habit carries over.
How to use it
- Select whole rows (Shift + Space) or columns (Ctrl + Space).
- Press Ctrl + Shift + − (⌘ + Shift + − on Mac).
- The selected rows or columns are deleted immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Related shortcuts
Make Google Sheets feel like Excel
Install XLKeys to use delete rows & columns and 150+ other Excel-style shortcuts, Alt-key sequences, formula auditing, Goal Seek, and Sensitivity Tables in Google Sheets.