How to Delete Blank Rows in Excel: 3 Methods

Overview

Leila discusses three efficient ways to delete blank rows in Excel, catering to different scenarios. Each method is suited to specific dataset structures and user preferences.

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Method 1: Using the Identifier Column (Super Fast)

• Objective: Delete rows where a key (identifier) column (e.g., Date) is blank.
• Steps:
  1. Identify your "identifier" column (e.g., Date).
  2. Select the entire identifier column.
  3. Use Ctrl + Shift + Home to select all data upwards.
  4. Go to Find & Select > Go To Special > select Blanks.
  5. Without clicking elsewhere, go to Delete > Delete Sheet Rows.
  6. Optionally, use shortcuts:
     • Ctrl + G > Alt + S > K (for Blanks) > Enter
     • Ctrl + - > Arrow down > Entire row > Enter
• Best for: When only specific columns define a row as "blank".

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Method 2: Using a Helper Column and Filter (The Filter Way)

• Objective: Remove rows where every cell is empty.
• Steps:
  1. Add a helper column (name it "Check").
  2. Use the formula:

     =COUNTA(range of cells in that row)
     

     (Counts all non-empty cells per row)
  3. Drag/copy the formula down for all rows.
  4. Activate Filter (Ctrl + Shift + L or via Data > Filter).
  5. Filter the helper column for zeros (rows with all cells empty).
  6. Select filtered rows and delete them (Ctrl + - / Right-click > Delete Row).
  7. Remove the filter and delete the helper column.
• Best for: Datasets where blank rows must have all cells empty; no single identifier column.

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Method 3: Using Power Query (Dynamic and Powerful)

• Why This is Leila's Favorite: Dynamic solution; automatically handles new data and updates.

• Steps:

  1. Select your data range (or create extra blank rows at the bottom to test).
  2. Name your range via the Name Box (e.g., "MyRange").
  3. Go to Data > From Table/Range.
  4. In Power Query, use Remove Rows > Remove Blank Rows.
  5. Click Close & Load to return the clean data to Excel (as a new table/sheet).
  6. To update with new data:
     • Add to the original range.
     • Refresh the Power Query output (Right-click > Refresh).
  7. To disconnect from source data:
     • Go to Queries & Connections, right-click, and delete the query.
  8. To use the cleaned data for analysis:
     • Right-click the query > Load To > PivotTable Report.

• Best for: Ongoing, dynamic data sources where new entries or deletions may occur.

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Key Takeaways

• Choose the method based on your data:
  • Use Method 1 for a key identifier field.
  • Use Method 2 if you require all cells in a row to be blank.
  • Use Power Query (Method 3) for dynamic, scalable solutions.
• Power Query is especially recommended: Even a basic understanding greatly enhances efficiency in Excel.

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Further Learning

• Power Query Course: From beginner to advanced (ninja) level.
• Pivot Table Essentials: Recently released for those interested in pivot tables.

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Closing

• Leila encourages viewers to comment on their preferred method.
• Thanks viewers and mentions upcoming videos.

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Tip: Even learning the basics of Power Query unlocks powerful new ways to manage and analyze data in Excel!