How to Make a Row Header in Excel (4 Easy Ways)

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In this article, we will discuss 4 easy ways to make a row header in Excel. The first way to make a row header in Excel is to simply format the cell by using different formatting tools. The second way is to freeze the rows by using the Freeze Panes command. The third of the four ways to make a row header in Excel is to convert the data into a table. The final way to make a row header is to use the Print Title command to print the header on each page containing the data set.

Excel users often need to have a row header in their data set to manage the data properly in Excel workbooks. The header allows the user to input data under the right column and gives an efficient output. In the ensuing article, we will learn 4 effective ways to make a header row in Excel. We will start with simple cell formatting to make a header row. Then, we will freeze the top row of the dataset using the Freeze Panes command to make it a header row. We will turn the data set into a table to make a proper header row for our data set. Finally, we will use the Print Title command to print the header row on each page to be printed. Here, we have provided a sample dataset that we will use to make a header row in Excel.

Sample Data


1. Customizing Formats to Make a Row Header in Excel

As we can see from the preceding data set, the row header is not clearly outlined. Here, we will use cell formatting to make a header row. Follow the ensuing steps to accomplish the task.

Step 1:

  • Firstly, select the columns from the row that you want to make a row header.
  • Here, we will select the cells in B4:E4.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 2:

  • Secondly, go to the Home tab in the ribbon.
  • Thirdly, go to the Font group.
  • Finally, click on the capital B, which stands for Bold Text.
  • Therefore, the texts in the selected cell will become bold.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 3:

  • Afterward, keep the cells selected.
  • Now, select the on the window shaped icon in the Font group known as the Border tool.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 4:

  • Next, Click on the Border tool.
  • Then ,from the drop down list, select any border that suits your taste.
  • Here, we have chosen the Bottom Double Border option.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 5:

  • Again, continue on the Front group tab.
  • Now, click on the icon next to the Border This is the Fill Color tool.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 6:

  • Afterwards, from the drop-down list of the Fill Color tool choose any of your preferred colors.
  • In this instance, we will choose a shade of blue.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 7:

  • Finally, this is our vivid row header.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Read More: How to Make First Row as Header in Excel


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2. Freezing Row to Make a Row Header in Excel

In order to illustrate this method, we will use the preceding sample data set. Here, we will freeze a desired row to make it a header row. Follow the outlined steps below to do it.

Step 1:

  • Firstly, select a row just after the desired row that you want to turn into a header row.
  • In this case, we selected Row 5.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 2:

  • Secondly, go to the View tab in the ribbon.
  • Thirdly, select the Freeze Panes tool.
  • Finally, from the drop down list select the Freeze Panes command.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 3:

  • Finally ,we move the slider up and down, the other rows will move up and down except for Row 4.
  • This is now a header row.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Read More: How to Create Excel Table with Row and Column Headers


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3. Formatting Data as Excel Table to Make a Row Header

In the following method, we will turn the data set into a table to make a header row. We will use the same dataset that we will use to explain the previous two methods to make a header row in Excel. Follow the steps below to complete the task.

Step 1:

  • First, select cells containing the entire data set.
  • In this instance, we will select the cells in B4:E10.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 2:

  • Next, go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
  • Then, click on the Table tab.
  • As a result, a Create Table dialogue box will appear.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 3:

  • In the Create Table dialogue box, check the checkbox that contains the text My Table Has Header.
  • Finally, click OK.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 4:

  • As a result, there is a row header at the top of the table.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Read More: Keep Row Headings in Excel When Scrolling Without Freeze


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4. Inserting Print Title to Make a Row Header in Excel

We will use the ensuing dataset below to carry out this method. Here, we will use the Print Title command to make a header row in Excel. Follow the steps below to do that.

Step 1:

  • Here, we have a dataset that will exceed one page when we print it out.
  • We will ensure each page has the same header row.

4 Handy Ways to Make a Row Header in Excel

Step 2:

  • Firstly, go to the Page Layout tab.
  • Secondly, select the Print Title command.
  • Consequently, the Page Setup dialogue box will appear.

Sample Data

Step 3:

  • After that, from the Page Setup dialogue box select the Sheet tab.
  • Next, go to Rows to repeat at the top command box.
  • Finally, click on the upward arrow at the right hand side.

Sample Data

Step 4:

  • Afterwards, select the desired row that you want as a row header.
  • In this instance, we will select row 4. It is marked as $4:$4 in the command box.
  • Finally, click in the upward arrow to the right of the command box to confirm selection.

Sample Data

Step 5:

  • In the Page Setup dialogue box , the selected row will appear in Rows to repeat at the top command box.
  • Now, click on the Print Preview tab.

Sample Data

Step 6:

  • You will have a preview of the first page that will be printed.

Sample Data

Step 7:

  • If you slide down, you will see the second page. The page contains the same row header as the first page.

Sample Data

Notes:
  • While checking for print preview make sure to check the Page Break option.
  • This will ensure that the data is printed properly on all the pages.

Read More: How to Create a Double Row Header in Excel


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You may download the following Excel workbook for better understanding and practice yourself.


Conclusion

In this article we have talked about 4 handy ways to make a row header. After going through the article, the readers will have 4 powerful tools to make a row header. A proper row header makes it easy for users to track and manage data efficiently. It will allow them to save time. If you find it useful, please let us know in the comment section below and share any recommendations and thoughts regarding this or any other content of ours. Thank you for your time.


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Adnan Masruf
Adnan Masruf

I am an engineering graduate. I graduated from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology(BUET), one of the top universities in Bangladesh from department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering with a major in structure. I am an avid reader of fiction especially fantasy. I also keep myself abreast of the recent developments in science and technology. I believe diligence will eventually pay off and luck tends to favor those who work hard.

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