How do I freeze the top row in Excel?

Go to View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Top Row. Row 1 will stay visible while you scroll down.

How do I freeze rows and columns at the same time?

Select the cell below the row and to the right of the column you want frozen, then choose View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes.

Use it on one real task this week, then add a sticky note on your monitor with the shortcut until it becomes automatic.

Most shortcuts differ slightly on Mac (Cmd instead of Ctrl). Check the function or feature page for platform notes when something does not work.

Tips & Tricks - 2026-05-12

Learn how to freeze rows, columns, headers, and both top rows and left columns in Excel, plus how to fix Freeze Panes not working.

Freeze Panes keeps selected rows or columns visible while you scroll. It is one of the fastest ways to make large spreadsheets easier to read. Common uses: Keep header rows visible Keep ID columns visible Freeze both top row and first column Review wide reports without losing context

Use this when your headers are in row 1. Go to View. Click Freeze Panes. Choose Freeze Top Row. Now row 1 stays visible while you scroll down.

Use this when labels or IDs are in column A. Go to View. Click Freeze Panes. Choose Freeze First Column. Column A stays visible while you scroll sideways.

To freeze both a row and a column, select the cell below the row and to the right of the column you want to freeze. Example: select B2 to freeze row 1 and column A. Then choose: View -> Freeze Panes -> Freeze Panes

Go to: View -> Freeze Panes -> Unfreeze Panes This removes the freeze and returns the worksheet to normal scrolling.

Check these issues: You are editing a cell The workbook is protected You selected the wrong cell before freezing Split panes are active The worksheet window is not normal

Try the shortcut or setting on a copy of your file first. Pin the technique to your Quick Access Toolbar if you will use it daily. Pair productivity tips with Excel Tables and named ranges for fewer broken references. Explore: Tips archive · Keyboard shortcuts guide

How do I freeze the top row in Excel? Go to View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Top Row. Row 1 will stay visible while you scroll down.
How do I freeze rows and columns at the same time? Select the cell below the row and to the right of the column you want frozen, then choose View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes.
How do I remember this Excel tip? Use it on one real task this week, then add a sticky note on your monitor with the shortcut until it becomes automatic.
Will this tip work on Mac Excel? Most shortcuts differ slightly on Mac (Cmd instead of Ctrl). Check the function or feature page for platform notes when something does not work.