How to Freeze Panes in Excel - Softotech

How to Freeze Panes in Excel: Rows, Columns and Both

Freezing panes keeps your header row or first column visible while you scroll through a long sheet.

Freeze the top row

  1. Go to the View tab.
  2. Click Freeze Panes.
  3. Choose Freeze Top Row.

Keyboard: Alt, W, F, R.

Freeze the first column

View > Freeze Panes > Freeze First Column. Keyboard: Alt, W, F, C.

Freeze several rows and columns

Click the cell just below and to the right of what you want to keep fixed. For example, to freeze rows 1 to 3 and column A, click B4. Then View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes. Keyboard: Alt, W, F, F.

You want fixedSelect this cell first
Row 1 onlyAny cell, use Freeze Top Row
Rows 1 to 3A4
Column A onlyAny cell, use Freeze First Column
Row 1 and column AB2
Rows 1 to 3 and columns A to BC4

Unfreeze

View > Freeze Panes > Unfreeze Panes. The same button changes its label when panes are frozen.

Troubleshooting

  • Freeze Panes is greyed out: you may be in Page Layout view or editing a cell. Press Esc and switch to Normal view.
  • Frozen area is too large: if the frozen rows fill the screen you cannot scroll. Unfreeze and choose a smaller area.
  • The wrong rows are frozen: Excel freezes from the top of the visible window. Scroll to the top first.

Freeze panes are already set up in several of our free Excel templates with long lists, such as the time tracking spreadsheet.

Free pricing tips for your business

Get short, practical tips on pricing jobs and using our free calculators. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

    Built with Kit

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I freeze the top two rows?

    Click A3, then View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes.

    Can I freeze panes in Excel for the web?

    Yes, on the View tab. The options are Freeze Top Row, Freeze First Column and Freeze Panes.

    Does freezing panes affect printing?

    No. To repeat rows on every printed page use Page Layout > Print Titles.

    What is the keyboard shortcut?

    Alt, W, F, F toggles freeze panes for the selected cell on Windows.

    Need a custom Excel sheet or automation?

    Talk to us

    More free tools: All free tools · Free Excel templates · Time tracking spreadsheet · Lock cells