Dataset Overview
We’ll use a data set containing World Cup Winners and Runner Ups to demonstrate these methods.
Method 1 – Manually Limit Scroll Area
- Open your Excel sheet.
- Go to the Developer tab.
- Click on Properties.
- In the ScrollArea box, specify the area you want to scroll (e.g., A1:E30).
- This will keep that area active while fixing other areas.
Note: This is a short-term solution; changes will be lost when you close and reopen the file.
Method 2 – Hide Option from Context Menu
- Select column F.
- Press CTRL+SHIFT+Right Arrow to select all columns to the right of column E.
- Right-click and choose Hide. This hides all columns from F onward.
- For rows, select row 31 and press CTRL+SHIFT+Down Arrow to select all rows from 31 downward.
- Right-click and choose Hide.
Your scroll area will now be limited to Column F and Row 30.
Method 3 – Use VBA Code
- Go to the Developer tab and select Visual Basic.
- Click on Module.
Enter the following code and close the window:
Sub controllScrollarea()
Dim sk As Worksheet
Set sk = ActiveSheet
sk.ScrollArea = "$A$1: $E$30"
End Sub
- Customize the range (A1:E30) as needed.
- Go to Macros, select the macro, and click Run.
- You’ll now be constrained to scroll within the specified area.
Download Practice Workbook
You can download the practice workbook from here:
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