Hiding columns in Google Sheets takes one keyboard shortcut or two clicks. This guide covers four ways to hide columns, plus how to hide rows, hide entire tabs, and clean up unused columns on desktop and mobile.
Here’s the fastest path for each task:
| Task | Fastest method |
|---|---|
| Hide a column | Select column, press Ctrl + Alt + 0 (Windows) or Cmd + Option + 0 (Mac) |
| Unhide a column | Click the small arrows between column letters |
| Hide a row | Right-click the row number, choose Hide row |
| Hide a sheet/tab | Right-click the tab name, choose Hide sheet |
| View hidden tabs | View menu, Hidden sheets, then click the sheet name |
How to Hide Columns in Google Sheets With a Keyboard Shortcut
The keyboard shortcut is the fastest method on desktop. Select the column you want to hide, then press the shortcut for your operating system.
On Windows:
Ctrl + Alt + 0
On Mac, use the command key:
Cmd + Option + 0
This shortcut also works on a range of columns. Hold Shift while selecting multiple columns first, then press the shortcut.
How to Hide Columns in Google Sheets With Right-Click
The right-click method works for users who prefer the mouse. Select the column, right-click, and choose Hide column.
- Click the column header letter at the top of the working area to select the entire column.
- Right-click anywhere in the highlighted column.
- Click Hide column.
The right-click method also works on a range of columns, on grouped rows and columns, and on non-contiguous columns. To hide columns D and G at the same time, hold Shift and select both columns with the mouse. Right-click either column header and choose Hide columns.
How to Unhide Columns in Google Sheets
Once a column is hidden, Google Sheets shows two small arrows between the surrounding column letters. These small arrows are the visual indicator that a column is hidden.
To unhide a column, click either arrow. The hidden column reappears immediately.
The keyboard shortcut to unhide a column is different from the one to hide it.
On Windows:
Ctrl + Shift + 0
On Mac:
Cmd + Shift + 0
Select the columns on either side of the hidden column first, then use the shortcut to unhide everything between them.
How to Hide Unused Columns in Google Sheets
Long stretches of empty columns make a spreadsheet harder to read and share. Hide all unused columns to the right of your data with three steps.
- Click the column header letter for the first empty column to the right of your data.
- Hold Ctrl + Shift and press the right arrow key. Every unused column gets selected.
- Right-click any selected column and choose Hide columns E-Z (the letters will reflect your selection range).
The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + 0 also hides the full selection in step 3.
The same approach works for unused rows. Select the first empty row below your data, hold Ctrl + Shift, press the down arrow key, then hide.
How to Hide Columns in Google Sheets With the Help Menu
The Help menu is the slowest method but useful when you can’t remember the shortcut.
- Click the column headers for the columns you want to hide.
- Click Help in the top menu.
- Type “hide” and press Enter.
How to Hide Rows in Google Sheets
Every method covered for columns works for rows. The right-click approach is the most common.
- Click the row number on the left to select the entire row.
- Right-click anywhere in the highlighted row.
- Click Hide row.
To hide multiple rows at once, hold Ctrl while clicking each row number, then right-click and choose Hide rows.
How to Unhide Rows in Google Sheets
Hidden rows show the same small arrows as hidden columns, just rotated. Click either arrow between the visible row numbers to unhide the row.
The keyboard shortcut works too. Select the rows on either side of the hidden row, then press Ctrl + Shift + 9 on Windows or Cmd + Shift + 9 on Mac.
How to Hide Tabs in Google Sheets
Hiding an entire sheet (tab) cleans up the bottom of the workbook when you have reference data or work-in-progress tabs you don’t want collaborators to see.
- Right-click the tab name at the bottom of the window.
- Click Hide sheet.
The tab disappears from the bottom bar. Anyone with edit access can still bring it back.
How to View Hidden Tabs in Google Sheets
To see hidden tabs in Google Sheets:
- Click View in the top menu.
- Hover over Hidden sheets.
- Click the name of the sheet you want to show.
The hidden tab reappears in the bottom tab bar in its original position.
How to Hide Columns in Google Sheets on Mobile
The Google Sheets mobile app supports hiding columns on both Android and iOS. The steps are the same on either platform.
- Open the Google Sheets spreadsheet and switch to the worksheet with the column you want to hide.
- Tap the column header letter to select the entire column.
- Touch and hold the column header for about a second until the options menu appears, then tap the three dots on the right side of the menu.
- Tap Hide column.
How to Hide Rows in Google Sheets on Mobile
The mobile workflow for rows mirrors the column workflow.
- Open the spreadsheet in the Google Sheets mobile app.
- Tap the row number on the left to select the entire row.
- Touch and hold the row number, then tap the three dots in the menu.
- Tap Hide row.
To unhide a row on mobile, tap the small arrows between the visible row numbers, the same way you would on desktop.
Hide vs Group Columns in Google Sheets
Hiding is one of two ways to collapse data. Grouping is the other.
Hide a column when you want it out of sight and don’t need a quick way to bring it back. Group columns when you’ll show and hide them often. Grouped columns get a small toggle above the column headers that expands and collapses the group in one click.
For long-term reference columns, hiding is the right call. For seasonal or quarterly data you toggle on and off, grouping wins.
The Fastest Method, Recapped
Memorize one shortcut and you’ll never need the menu again. On Windows that’s Ctrl + Alt + 0 to hide and Ctrl + Shift + 0 to unhide. On Mac it’s Cmd + Option + 0 to hide and Cmd + Shift + 0 to unhide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hide a column in Google Sheets?
Click the column header letter, right-click, and choose Hide column. The keyboard shortcut is Ctrl + Alt + 0 on Windows or Cmd + Option + 0 on Mac.
How do I unhide a column in Google Sheets?
Click either of the small arrows that appear between the surrounding column letters. The hidden column reappears immediately.
What’s the keyboard shortcut to hide a column in Google Sheets?
Ctrl + Alt + 0 on Windows. Cmd + Option + 0 on Mac.
How do I hide multiple columns at once?
Hold Shift and click multiple column headers to select a range, or hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) and click to select non-adjacent columns. Right-click any selected column and choose Hide columns.
How do I hide an entire sheet in Google Sheets?
Right-click the tab name at the bottom of the window and click Hide sheet. To bring it back, click View in the top menu, hover over Hidden sheets, and click the sheet name.
Can viewers see hidden columns in Google Sheets?
No. Only people with Edit or Owner access can view or unhide hidden columns. Viewers see the column as hidden with no way to expand it.
How do I hide columns on the Google Sheets mobile app?
Tap the column header to select the column, touch and hold for a second, tap the three dots in the menu, then tap Hide column. The same steps work on Android and iOS.
Why can’t I unhide a column in Google Sheets?
The most common reason is that the spreadsheet owner protected the range. Protected ranges prevent users below Owner level from unhiding columns. Ask the owner to remove the protection or grant you Edit access.
More Google Sheets Tutorials
- How to Unhide Rows in Google Sheets
- How to Hide Zero Values in Google Sheets
- How to Hide Gridlines in Google Sheets
- How to Group Rows and Columns in Google Sheets
- How to Lock Cells in Google Sheets
- How to Delete Empty Rows in Google Sheets
- How to Autofit Column Width in Google Sheets
- How to Change Row Height in Google Sheets
- How to Merge Cells in Google Sheets
- Google Sheets Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet