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How to Freeze a Row in Google Sheets Spreadsheet

Freezing rows in Google Sheets is an easy way to keep certain rows visible while scrolling through large datasets. This allows you to always view the column headers or labels as you scroll up and down the sheet.

Why Freeze Rows in Google Sheets

Here are some key reasons why you may want to freeze rows in Google Sheets:

  • Keep column headers/labels visible when scrolling through a large dataset
  • Pin important summary rows, such as totals, so they remain visible
  • Lock key information like instructions or warnings at the top of the sheet
  • Easily compare data across columns when scrolling up and down

Freezing rows enhances usability and productivity when working with big spreadsheets.

How to Freeze Top Row in Google Sheets

Follow these simple steps to freeze the first row in Google Sheets:

  1. Open the Google Sheet
  2. Click on View in the top menu
  3. Hover over Freeze
  4. Select 1 row

The topmost row is now frozen in place. As you scroll down, the header row stays locked at the top.

Freeze top row in Google Sheets demo

Alternative Method to Freeze First Row

You can also freeze the first row by:

  1. Clicking on the empty gray box at the top left corner of the sheet
  2. When the hand icon appears, drag the horizontal gray line down to Row 2
  3. Release the mouse button to freeze the first row

This grays out Row 1 and keeps it pinned at the top when scrolling.

How to Freeze Multiple Rows in Google Sheets

To freeze more than one row:

  1. Select the row below where you want the freeze pane
  2. Click View > Freeze > Up to current row

For example, to freeze the first 3 rows:

  1. Select any cell in Row 4
  2. Click View > Freeze > Up to Row 4

This keeps Rows 1, 2 and 3 visible as you scroll down the sheet.

Alternative Ways to Freeze Multiple Rows

You can also use the drag down method:

  1. Hover over the horizontal gray line at the top left
  2. When the hand icon appears, drag down to the row you want frozen
  3. Release the mouse button

Additionally, on Windows you can:

  1. Press and hold the Ctrl key
  2. Select the rows you want frozen
  3. Right-click and select Freeze Panes

How to Freeze Columns in Google Sheets

The steps to freeze columns are the same as rows:

To freeze the first column:

  1. Select any cell in Column B
  2. Click View > Freeze > 1 column

Column A now stays locked in place when scrolling horizontally.

To freeze multiple columns, select a cell in the column to the right of your target and choose View > Freeze > Up to current column.

How to Unfreeze Rows and Columns

  1. Click View
  2. Hover over Freeze
  3. Select No rows or No columns

This removes any frozen rows or columns, restoring the sheet to scroll freely.

Tips When Freezing Rows and Columns

  • Freezing rows and columns helps both on desktop and mobile when viewing Google Sheets
  • You can freeze rows and columns at the same time
  • Use freeze panes to lock key summary data for easy comparison
  • Unfreeze rows and columns when no longer needed
  • Freezing does not lock cells from editing

Conclusion

Freezing rows and columns is a simple way to enhance usability when working with large Google Sheet datasets. By pinning header rows and key information in place, it makes it easier to view, enter and analyze data.

The freeze options give you flexibility to lock critical rows or columns, while allowing the rest of the sheet to scroll. This boosts productivity by eliminating the need to continuously hunt for titles or totals.

With just a few clicks, you can freeze single or multiple rows and columns in Google Sheets.

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