5 Ways to Unhide Stubborn Rows in Excel

Many Excel users have faced the frustration of dealing with hidden rows that refuse to show up using the usual methods. Whether it's for data analysis, reporting, or managing large datasets, hidden rows can disrupt workflow and obscure crucial information. Here, we will explore 5 ways to unhide stubborn rows in Excel, ensuring you regain control over your spreadsheet with ease.

1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are the quickest way to manage rows in Excel. Here are some shortcuts you can try:

• Ctrl+Shift+9: This shortcut unhides any selected rows that might be hidden.
• Shift+Space followed by Ctrl+Shift+0: Selects the current row and then unhides hidden rows.

💡 Note: Ensure your "zero" key works, as the shortcut involving Ctrl+Shift+0 might not work on all keyboards or Excel versions.

2. Adjusting Row Heights Manually

Sometimes, the simplest solutions work best:

• Select the rows before and after the hidden area. Hover your mouse over the row boundary between them.
• When the cursor turns into a double-sided arrow, double-click to auto-adjust the row height.

🔎 Note: This method can be slow if you’re dealing with a large number of hidden rows.

3. Use the Go To Special Feature

Excel’s “Go To Special” feature is powerful for finding hidden rows:

1. Press Ctrl+G to open the “Go To” dialog box.
2. Click “Special”, then select “Visible cells only”.
3. Click “OK”. Now, press Ctrl+A to select all visible cells.
4. Right-click and choose “Unhide” from the context menu.

This method is especially useful if you need to unhide multiple non-contiguous hidden rows.

4. Modify the Excel Worksheet through VBA

For those comfortable with VBA:

Sub UnhideAllRows()
    Dim ws As Worksheet
    For Each ws In ThisWorkbook.Worksheets
        ws.Rows.Hidden = False
    Next ws
End Sub

Copy this VBA code into a module in your workbook and run it to unhide all rows in all worksheets.

👾 Note: VBA requires some knowledge of programming. Be cautious when using macros from external sources.

5. Using Excel Add-ins for Automation

If you regularly deal with spreadsheets with hidden rows, consider:

• ASAP Utilities: This add-in provides a one-click solution to unhide all rows and columns.
• Kutools for Excel: Offers a range of tools including those to manage hidden elements.

🔐 Note: Be mindful when installing add-ins, only download from trusted sources to prevent any risk to your data or system.

Hidden rows in Excel don't have to be a persistent problem. By leveraging these five methods, you can quickly make these rows visible again, enhancing your ability to analyze and manage data effectively. Whether you prefer quick keyboard shortcuts, manual adjustments, Excel's built-in features, VBA scripting, or third-party tools, there's a solution for every user's comfort level. These techniques will not only save you time but also ensure you never miss out on important information buried in your spreadsheets.