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How to Add Cells in Google Sheets: A Step-by-Step Guide

December 11, 2023 892 views

When working with and manipulating a given set of data, the necessity to concentrate text in a single cell or adjust formatting often arises, ultimately requiring the addition of more cells in your spreadsheet. If you're a Google Sheets user, our comprehensive guide on how to add cells in Google Sheets has got you covered, providing step-by-step instructions for efficient data management and formatting within the platform.

How to Add Cells in Google Sheets

How to Add or Insert Cells in Google Sheets?

If you've missed entering data and need to insert a cell, This guide will assist you in learning how to insert cells in Google Sheets:

Step 1: Open your Google Spreadsheet and navigate to the cell where you want to insert a new cell.

Step 2: Right-click to open the context menu, and then select "Insert cells".

Step 3: In the flyout menu, choose the preferred placement for the new cell—either to the left or above the selected cell.

Google Sheets insert cells

This quick method efficiently inserts a new cell in your desired location.

How to Add Rows or Columns in Google Sheets?

In this section, let's explore how to add rows or columns in Google Sheets—a process quite similar to inserting cells and straightforward:

Step 1: Click on the cell where you want to add a row or column, either above or to the side.

Step 2: Right-click to open the context menu. If adding a row above, choose the "Insert 1 row above" option.

Google sheets insert 1 row above

Step 3: If adding a column to the left, select "Insert 1 column left".

Google sheets insert 1 column left

Note: Google Sheets offers limited options. For instance, when adding a column, you can only add one to the left. Ensure you select the cell in a way that aligns with your intention, whether it's adding a column to the left or a row above.

How to Adjust Text Formatting in the New Cell?

Once the cells have been added, we can enhance the overall appearance of the spreadsheet by formatting these cells using the options provided in the Google Sheets Format menu.

Google sheets Format menu

Step 1: Format cell values to percentages, currency, or a specific number of decimal places. Click on the "Number" option in the Format dropdown menu and select the appropriate format for your cell values.

Google sheets Format Number

Step 2: Change the font style of your cell values, making them bold, italic, underlined, or strikethrough. Utilize the "Text" option in the Format dropdown menu.

Google sheets Format Text

Step 3: Adjust the alignment of your cells using the "Alignment" option in the Format dropdown menu.

Google sheets Format alignment

Step 4: Modify the wrapping of values in your cells with the "Wrapping" option in the Format dropdown menu.

Google sheets text wrapping

Step 5: Rotate values in your cells using the "Rotation" option in the Format dropdown menu.

Google sheets cell rotation

Step 6: Utilize the toolbar to change the font color, cell color, and borders of your cells, providing additional customization options for users.

Google sheets toolbar

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FAQs

Q1. How do I sum rows in Google Sheets?

Here are the steps to sum rows in Google Sheets:

Step 1: Select the cell where you wish to display the sum.

Step 2: Enter the formula: =SUM(A1:E1). Replace A1 with the first cell and E1 with the last cell in the row you wish to sum.

Google Sheets SUM function

Google Sheets SUM function

Step 3:  Press the “Enter” key to get the results.

Q2. How to do Autosum in Google Sheets?

The most straightforward way to auto-sum a column of numbers in Google Sheets is by using the AutoSum function. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Highlight the group of cells in the column you want to sum.

Step 2: Click on the AutoSum option in the toolbar. This action automatically generates a SUM formula at the bottom of the selected range.

Step 3: The total of all the numbers in your column will be calculated and displayed without any need for complex formulas or equations.

Q3. How can I copy and paste without overwriting in Sheets?

To prevent overwriting when copying cell text/values, follow these steps:

Step 1: Double-click on the source cell to edit its text.

 Google Sheets select source cell

Google Sheets select source cell

Step 2: Press "Ctrl + A" to select the text/values, then "Ctrl + C" to copy them.

Google Sheets copy values in source cell

Google Sheets copy values in source cell

Step 3: Double-click on the destination cell, press "Ctrl + P" to paste the text/values.

Google Sheets pate values in destination cell

Google Sheets pate values in destination cell

Step 4: If the values overflow, use the toolbar to select the “Wrap” option and avoid display issues.

 Google Sheets wrap text

Google Sheets wrap text

Manipulate Your Data With WPS Office

As you learn how to add cells in a Google Sheets, remember that while Google Sheets is an admirable option, WPS Spreadsheet is a great and easier choice to transition to. Offering seamless access to functions and streamlined data handling, WPS Office ensures a user-friendly experience. With its extensive template range and compatibility across different operating systems, downloading WPS Office opens up a world of possibilities for efficient spreadsheet management and productivity.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.