Freeze Panes in Excel

If you have a large table of data in Excel, it can be useful to freeze rows or columns. This way you can keep rows or columns visible while scrolling through the rest of the worksheet. You can freeze the top row, freeze the first column, freeze a number of rows or columns, and freeze a number of rows and columns.

Freeze Top Row

If you want to keep the top row visible while scrolling through the rest of the worksheet, execute the following steps. You can download the accompanied Excel file if you want.

1. Click on View, Freeze Panes, Freeze Top Row.

2. Scroll down to the rest of the worksheet.

Result:

Note: Excel automatically adds a black horizontal line to indicate that the top row is frozen.

Freeze First Column

In a similar way, you can freeze the first column by clicking on 'Freeze First Column' if you want to keep the first column visible while scrolling through the right of your worksheet.

Freeze Panes (Rows or Columns)

If you want to freeze columns, select the column to the right of the column or columns that you want to keep visible when you scroll to the right.

To freeze the first 3 columns, execute the following steps.

1. First, click on Unfreeze Panes (if necessary).

2. Select column D (the fourth column).

3. Click on Freeze Panes.

4. Scroll to the right of the worksheet.

Result:

Note: Excel automatically adds a black vertical line to indicate that the first 3 columns are frozen.

In a similar way, you can freeze rows. Select the row below the row or rows that you want to keep visible when you scroll down.

Freeze Panes (Rows and Columns)

If you want to freeze rows and columns, click the cell below and to the right of the rows and columns that you want to keep visible when you scroll down and to the right.

To freeze the first 3 columns and first 5 rows, execute the following steps.

1. First, click on Unfreeze Panes (if necessary).

2. Select cell D6.

3. Click on Freeze Panes.

4. Scroll down and to the right of the worksheet.

Result:

Note: Excel automatically adds a horizontal line and a black vertical line to indicate that the first 5 rows and first 3 columns are frozen.

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