Excel wont allow insert new rows

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Problem

In an Excel document, you’re unable to insert a new row.

The ‘Insert’ option is greyed out.

Solution

This issue generally happens for two reasons –

  1. the document is “protected” (locked or restricted) or
  2. table formatting has been applied to the whole table.

Method 1: the document is “protected” (locked or restricted)

  1. With the Excel document open, open the ‘Review’ tab
  2. In the ‘Protect’ group – if you see ‘Unprotected Sheet’ the document has been “protected” – you will need to click the icon to unlock the document

Method 2: table formatting has been applied to whole table

Excel has a built in wizard allows you to apply formatting to your table.

However, if you apply the formatting to the whole table – you’re unable to add new rows.

To fix this:

  1. With the Excel document open, click anywhere inside the table
  2. In the top of the ribbon open the ‘Table Design’ tab – if you do not see it, these steps will not resolve your problem
  3. In the ‘Properties’ group, click on ‘Resize Table’
  5. Select the range that holds your table data
  7. Click ‘OK’ to apply the changes