Streamline Your Sheet. How to Delete Empty Rows in Google Sheets

How to Delete Empty Rows in Google Sheets #

Google Sheets is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data, but as your spreadsheet grows, you might find yourself dealing with excessive empty rows. These empty rows can make your spreadsheet harder to read and navigate, and may also affect formulas and calculations. In this article, we will explore methods for manually deleting empty rows in Google Sheets, as well as how to automate the process using Google Apps Script.

Manual Deletion of Empty Rows in Google Sheets #

If you have a small number of empty rows in your Google Sheets and prefer to delete them manually, follow these steps:

1. Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
2. Identify and select the empty rows you want to delete. You can do this by clicking on the row number on the left-hand side of the spreadsheet to select the entire row.
3. Right-click on the selected rows and choose "Delete rows" from the menu. Alternatively, you can click on the "Edit" menu at the top and select "Delete rows" from there.
4. Google Sheets will prompt you to confirm the deletion. Click "OK" to proceed.

Please note that if you have data in the rows beneath the deleted rows, the remaining data will be shifted up.

Automating Deletion of Empty Rows using Google Apps Script #

If you have a large spreadsheet or need to regularly delete empty rows, using Google Apps Script to automate the deletion process can save you time and effort. Follow these steps to create a script that deletes empty rows:

1. Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
2. Click on "Extensions" in the menu bar, then select "Apps Script" from the dropdown menu.
3. This will open the Apps Script editor in a new tab. Delete the default code and replace it with the following script:

function deleteEmptyRows() {
  var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSpreadsheet().getActiveSheet();
  var rows = sheet.getLastRow();
  var range = sheet.getRange("A1:Z" + rows);
  var values = range.getValues();
  var numRowsDeleted = 0;

  for (var i = 0; i < values.length; i++) {
    if (values[i].join("") === "") {
      sheet.deleteRow(i + 1 - numRowsDeleted);
      numRowsDeleted++;
    }
  }
}

4. Save the script by clicking on the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl + S.
5. Close the Apps Script editor tab and return to your spreadsheet.
6. To run the script, click on the "Extensions" menu again, select "Apps Script," and then choose "deleteEmptyRows."
7. A dialog box will appear, asking for authorization to run the script. Click "Review permissions" and follow the prompts to grant the necessary permissions.
8. After granting permissions, the script will run, deleting all empty rows in the specified range.

Use Case Examples #

Here are a few use case examples where deleting empty rows in Google Sheets can be beneficial:

1. Data cleanup: If you are importing data from external sources, empty rows might be included. Deleting these rows ensures accurate and clean data.
2. Filtering and sorting: When using filters or sorting functions in Google Sheets, empty rows can disrupt the results. Removing them improves the functionality and reliability of these features.
3. Data analysis: Empty rows can skew your data analysis, leading to erroneous conclusions. Deleting them ensures accurate interpretation of your data.

In conclusion, deleting empty rows in Google Sheets is a simple but effective way to streamline your spreadsheet. Whether you choose to manually delete them or automate the process using Google Apps Script, removing empty rows will improve readability, maintain accurate calculations, and enhance data analysis in your Google Sheets.

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Published 20 Jul 2023