Excel: Cannot Insert Column / Row

Environment

Office 365 at U-M / Excel

Issue

You are unable to insert a row/column in Excel due to the error: "Microsoft Excel can't insert new cells because it would push non-empty cells off the end of the worksheet. These cells might appear empty but have blank values, some formatting, or a formula. Delete enough rows or columns to make room for what you want to insert and then try again."

Resolution

  1. Go to last intentionally populated column
  2. Select next column
  3. Ctrl-shift-arrow-right to select all columns meant to be empty
  4. Right-click > Delete and also Clear Contents
  5. Go to last intentionally populated row
  6. Select next row
  7. Ctrl-shift-arrow-down to select all columns meant to be empty
  8. Right-click > Delete and also Clear Contents

Please save as or save the Excel document, close the document, and re-open.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

Print Article