how do I add a row to my excel spreadsheet

Question

Options are not available to add a row. The options at top of page are very limited. They are not what is normally at the top of a an excel page.

Answer 1

Hi, Robert Philbeck

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

Here are some workarounds you can try to resolve your current situation:

Fix the limited Ribbon in Excel (Windows)

If the top of Excel looks very minimal and you cannot see Insert > Insert Sheet Rows, your Ribbon is probably collapsed or hidden.

Restore the full Ribbon

• Double‑click any Ribbon tab (Home, Insert, Page Layout). This toggles collapse/expand.
• Or press Ctrl + F1 to expand the Ribbon.
• If the Ribbon is completely invisible, click More in the top‑right corner, then choose a normal Ribbon Display Option to keep it visible.

Once expanded, you’ll see the full Home tab again.

Add a row (after fixing the Ribbon)

• Select the row below where the new row should appear.
• Go to Home > Insert > Insert Sheet Rows. Or right‑click the row number > Insert.

If commands are still unavailable

• The workbook may be rights‑managed and editing features can be disabled.
• Excel may be in Full‑Screen mode, which hides the menu bar and controls until you exit it.

Hope this helps. If you want, tell me what Excel version you’re using (Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2021, Excel 2019, etc.), and I’ll tailor the next steps.

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Answer 2

Hi Robert Philbeck

It has been a while and I am writing to see how things are going with this issue.

Have you had a chance to check the replies provided?

Any update would be appreciated.