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How to Freeze a Row in Google Sheets for Better Navigation

Janice

By Janice

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How to Freeze a Row in Google Sheets

Google Sheets & Google Sheets Freeze Row

Many individuals today prefer working on device-independent applications. Such applications are associated with plenty of benefits as opposed to conventional options.

Google sheets are one of the best examples of those web-based apps that increase your efficiency. In fact, apps like Google Sheets and Google Docs work thanks to Cloud computing technology.

Over the past few years, cloud computing has reached new heights, and as a result, cloud-based apps have been introduced. These apps work exceptionally well in achieving individual and team goals. The most impressive benefit associated with these cloud-based apps is their flexibility.

Google Sheets & Google Sheets Freeze Row

Apps like Google Sheets can be accessed online from any device (be it a computer or a smartphone). Multiple users can access Google Sheets simultaneously, regardless of location.

Also, all the users can view the changes on the respective sheet in real time. This is a great time-saving for all the parties, and it also can increase overall efficiency. Be it an official or a personal task, Google Sheets can help you in various ways.


Why Need to Know How to Freeze a Row in Google Sheets

Despite all the benefits associated with Google Sheets, there are also some drawbacks. One of the most notable drawbacks of Google Sheets is the screen size.

There is a mismatch when you use a Google sheet on a small screen. But this issue can be resolved with a simple trick.

The solution is to freeze the rows and columns. If you don’t know how to do it, read this article. In the next paragraphs, we will explain how to freeze a row in Google Sheets. Knowing how to do a Google Sheets freeze row is essential for every user.

Assume an instance where it displays a company’s sales information. We are talking about a sheet that displays the number of sales each salesperson made within a calendar month. If the company is a large one, there can be hundreds of employees in sales staff.

Also, picture a situation where they need to display sales for the past three years (36 months). The result will be hundreds of rows and columns, making it hard to navigate.

Google Sheets allows you to enter all those data in a single sheet. However, the real problem is that navigation across the rows and columns becomes incredibly difficult. For instance, just assume that you need to find the sales a specific employee made in February 2017.

You must use the scroll bar and navigate backward until you see the respective cell. Even after navigating to the respective cell, you cannot see the name of the month or the person. Well, in that case, the clarity of the data you are looking for can be less.

Moving up and down or across the sheet constantly to see some data is so confusing for any user. Therefore, using the scroll bar is pretty ineffective and less productive in this case.

Google Sheet freezerows

This difficulty can be experienced with both vertical and horizontal dimensions. It may depend on the way to arrange the data.

When you move down and up to see a cell of data, you will not be able to see the title of the column. On the other hand, when you move horizontally midway, you cannot see the row’s label.

That said, dealing with Google sheets can become confusing when the number of rows and columns increases. After all, we put data into a sheet to make it clear and understandable. But this confusion can eventually make the data confusing. So, we suggest you look for a remedy.

Fortunately, we can find an option through Google Sheets itself. You can do this simply by performing a Google Sheets freeze row.

performing a Google Sheets freeze

PS: if you have issues with deleting a header in Google Docs or locking cells in Google Sheets, please click to know more.


How to Perform a Google Sheets Freeze Row

As we mentioned earlier in this article, the solution to overcome the unclarity of the data is freezing rows. Well, let’s learn about the functionality of freezing.

Well, when you freeze a row or a column in Google Sheets online app, it technically freezes. That means the row remains steady (frozen) no matter which direction we navigate through the scroll bars.

Thanks to this functionality, you can easily manage the values of the rows in a very convenient manner. Well, if you wonder how to freeze a row in Google Sheets, there are two ways to do it.

Below is what you should do to easily perform a Google Sheets freeze row.

Method 1: Dragging and Dropping

After opening the Google Sheets, you can see vertical and horizontal panes in the top left corner. These panes appear in the form of thick grey lines.

anes appear in the form of thick grey lines

Move the mouse pointer over those grey lines, and you will see a “hand.” When this icon appears, you can drag and drop the lines. You can drag and drop the lines.

To do this, just drag the vertical pane toward the right side. Then, place it right after the first column. In the same manner, you should drag the horizontal pane as well. Drag it and place it on row number 02.

Frozen Panes

Then, you will see that the thick lines are placed depending on where you dropped them. You can type something on those rows and navigate using the scroll.

The frozen rows will stay still, although the rest of the cells are moved according to your mouse movement. This is a very convenient option if you wonder how to freeze a row in Google Sheets.

how to freeze a row in Google Sheets

Method 2: Select the Specific Rows and Columns and Freeze Them

If you don’t find the above option to be less convenient, you can try this one. Although the method is pretty different, the result would be the same with both processes. This method lets you see how to freeze a row in Google Sheets.

If you need to freeze the first two rows, follow the method mentioned below.

  • Go to the option labeled “View” in the menu bar.
  • Select the option labeled “Freeze.”
  • Select the number of rows you need to freeze.
  • If you need to freeze columns instead of rows, you can do it by selecting “rows.”
freeze columns instead of rows

This option allows you to freeze any number of rows or columns. For instance, if you need to freeze ten rows, click on the 10th row first.

Then, you should go to the option “View” in the menu bar. Then, go to the “Freeze” option. Select the “Up to current row” option as the final step.

As you may realize, freezing rows in a Google Sheets spreadsheet is not rocket science. You can follow the abovementioned steps and get the rows frozen within a few seconds.

More About Google Sheets

You should know that tools like Google Sheets work in the cloud space. That means they work as web-based platforms. Compared to conventional offline, software-based solutions, these online tools are flexible.

More About Google Sheets

Multiple users can access the same Google Sheet at once from different locations, regardless of the device they use. Such an approach lets you add more efficiency and productivity to your work.

Also, cloud-based software solutions minimize the risk of losing files. That means the file will remain safe even if your device is broken. Automatic backups are created on cloud space when you work on Google Sheets.

However, you must be careful not to share your Google password with anyone when you deal with Google Sheets. If someone has your Google password, he or she can view all the Google documents and sheets.

So, it is exceptionally important to keep your password safe and unshared. Also, we advise you to refrain from accessing your Google Sheets from untrusted, public computers.

FAQs

1. How many rows can I freeze in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets allows you to freeze up to 10 rows. However, keep in mind that freezing too many rows may reduce the visible workspace, so use this feature judiciously.

2. Can I freeze columns as well?

Yes, in addition to freezing rows, Google Sheets also allows you to freeze columns. The process is similar, but instead of selecting rows, you select columns.

3. Can I freeze rows in Google Sheets on a mobile device?

Yes, you can freeze rows in Google Sheets on mobile devices. The options may be located in different menus or have slightly different names, but the functionality remains the same.

4. What happens when I freeze rows in Google Sheets?

When you freeze rows in Google Sheets, the frozen rows remain fixed at the top of the sheet, providing constant visibility as you scroll through the rest of the data.

5. How do I remove frozen rows in Google Sheets?

To remove frozen rows, navigate to the “View” menu, select “Freeze,” and then click on “No rows” to unfreeze all rows. Alternatively, you can select a specific row number to unfreeze only that particular row.

Conclusion

Freezing rows in Google Sheets is a valuable technique that enables you to maintain visibility and context while working with large datasets. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can effortlessly freeze rows and enhance your productivity. So go ahead and try it out in your next Google Sheets project!

Janice
Janice

10-Year Technical Editor, I Write Articles Only Based on Meticulous & Comprehensive Research!

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