How to Delete Rows in Excel without Affecting Formulas?

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Sometimes you need to delete rows in Excel but want to keep the formulas. In this article, we will discuss how to delete rows in Excel without affecting the formulas.

Consider the following dataset. Here we have week-wise Production of 4 units of an Automobile plant from column C to column F. After applying the sum formula in row 10 we get the total automobile production of a month for each unit. Now we want to delete rows 6-9 of the following dataset without affecting the formula in row 10.

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Table of Contents hide

How to Delete Rows in Excel without Affecting Formulas: 2 Ways

Method 1. Using the Go To Special Feature to Delete Rows without Affecting Formulas

Method 2. Use of Paste Special Option to Delete Rows without Affecting Formulas

Practice Section

Conclusion

Method 1. Using the Go To Special Feature to Delete Rows without Affecting Formulas

In this method, we will use the Go To Special dialog box to keep our formula row intact but delete the data cells. Following the steps below we can delete rows in Excel without affecting formulas.

Step 1:

Select all the data sets but the formula cells of row 10 that you want to delete.
I have selected the range C6:F9.

Step 2:

Now press the F5 or CTRL + G keys at the same time to launch the Go To box.
After the box appears click on Special.

Step 3:

After clicking Special, the Go to Special dialog box will appear.
Now check Constants & then click OK.

Step 4:

Now select all the rows that you want to delete but the formula.
Then press Delete on the keyboard or Right-click on the mouse and then select Delete.

Though all the data from rows have been deleted but the formula in C10 is still active & it will remain so for the rest of the formulas.

Step 5:

Now apply a new set of data in rows 6-9 & it will show new results in row 10 using the same old formula.

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Method 2. Use of Paste Special Option to Delete Rows without Affecting Formulas

In this method, we will learn how to delete rows without affecting the formulas using the Paste Special option. We will use Paste Values under the Paste Special category.

Step 1:

If you want to keep the formulas active but delete your row data, you can use the Paste Special.
Select the formula cells only and press CTRL + C or right-click the mouse and select Copy.

Step 2:

Now select a blank cell and right-click on it & Context Menu will appear.
From there click on the Paste Special on the ribbon or try the keyboard shortcut CTRL + ALT + V.

Now select the Values option from the Paste Special box & then click OK.

Step 3:

Now select the cells of the rows that you want to delete.
Then go to the Home tab & then follow Editing >> Clear >> Clear contents.

Step 4:

It will delete the cells of the rows but your formulas will not be affected.

Step 5:

Now apply a new set of data in rows 6-9 & it will provide new results in row 10 using the same old formula.

Notes: While following step 3 of method 2, the Paste Special feature might look different depending on MS Office versions. Just keep searching for the Paste Values option or use the keyboard shortcut directly.

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Practice Section

I have provided a data set for you. Practice it on your own.

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Download Practice Workbook

Delete Rows without Impacting Formulas.xlsx

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Conclusion

By using any of the two quick methods you will be able to delete rows without affecting your formulas in Excel. If you have any confusion, please leave a comment.

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How to Delete Rows in Excel without Affecting Formulas?