How to Freeze Rows and Columns in Google Sheets
Working with a large spreadsheet? Freezing rows and columns keeps your headers visible while you scroll through data. This guide shows you how to freeze rows, columns, or both in Google Sheets on desktop and mobile devices.
Quick Answer
To freeze the top row in Google Sheets: Go to View > Freeze > 1 row. The header row will now stay visible while you scroll down through your data.
For columns: View > Freeze > 1 column to freeze the first column on the left.
How to Freeze Rows in Google Sheets
Freezing rows is most commonly used to keep header rows visible. When you freeze rows, they remain at the top of the screen while the rest of your spreadsheet scrolls beneath them.
Freeze the Header Row (1 Row)
- Open your Google Sheets spreadsheet.
- Click View in the menu bar.
- Hover over Freeze.
- Click 1 row.
A thick gray line will appear below row 1, indicating the freeze. Now when you scroll down, row 1 stays visible.
Freeze Multiple Rows
- Click on a cell in the row below the last row you want to freeze (e.g., click row 4 if you want to freeze rows 1-3).
- Go to View > Freeze.
- Click Up to current row.
Alternatively, you can select 2 rows from the menu to freeze exactly two rows.
| Option | What It Does |
|---|---|
| No rows | Removes any row freeze |
| 1 row | Freezes row 1 (header row) |
| 2 rows | Freezes rows 1 and 2 |
| Up to current row | Freezes all rows above the currently selected cell |
How to Freeze Columns in Google Sheets
Freezing columns keeps them visible on the left side of the screen while you scroll horizontally. This is useful when you have identifiers or labels in the first column.
Freeze the First Column
- Go to View in the menu bar.
- Hover over Freeze.
- Click 1 column.
A thick gray line will appear to the right of column A, and that column will remain visible when scrolling right.
Freeze Multiple Columns
- Click on a cell in the column to the right of the last column you want to freeze.
- Go to View > Freeze.
- Click Up to current column.
Pro Tip: You can freeze up to 10 columns in Google Sheets. If you need more than 10 columns frozen, consider reorganizing your data.
How to Freeze Both Rows and Columns
You can freeze rows and columns simultaneously. This creates a "pane" effect where headers stay visible both vertically and horizontally.
- First, freeze your rows: View > Freeze > 1 row (or however many you need).
- Then, freeze your columns: View > Freeze > 1 column (or however many you need).
Both freezes work independently. You can change one without affecting the other.
Using the Drag Handle Method
There is also a visual method to freeze rows and columns:
- Look at the top-left corner of your spreadsheet, where the row numbers and column letters meet.
- You will see a thick gray bar at the intersection of the frozen area.
- For rows: Drag the horizontal bar down to freeze more rows.
- For columns: Drag the vertical bar right to freeze more columns.
Pro Tip: The drag handle is subtle but powerful. Look for the thick gray lines at the very top-left of your sheet, just below the formula bar. Drag them to quickly adjust your freeze without using menus.
How to Freeze Rows in Google Sheets on Mobile
You can also freeze rows and columns in the Google Sheets mobile app on iOS and Android.
Android Steps
- Open your spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app.
- Tap on the row number (on the left) to select the entire row you want to freeze.
- Tap the row number again to see the menu.
- Tap Freeze (or look for the snowflake icon).
iPhone/iPad Steps
- Open your spreadsheet in the Google Sheets app.
- Tap on a cell in the row you want to freeze.
- Tap the row number on the left to select the entire row.
- Tap the three dots (...) menu or tap the row number again.
- Scroll down and tap Freeze.
| Platform | To Freeze Row | To Freeze Column |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop | View > Freeze > 1 row | View > Freeze > 1 column |
| Android | Select row > Tap row # > Freeze | Select column > Tap column letter > Freeze |
| iOS | Select row > ... menu > Freeze | Select column > ... menu > Freeze |
How to Unfreeze Rows and Columns
Removing a freeze is just as easy as adding one.
Unfreeze on Desktop
- Go to View > Freeze.
- Click No rows to unfreeze all rows.
- Click No columns to unfreeze all columns.
Unfreeze on Mobile
- Tap on a frozen row or column to select it.
- Tap the row number or column letter again.
- Tap Unfreeze.
Using the Drag Handle
You can also drag the freeze handle (the thick gray line at the top-left) back to the starting position to remove the freeze.
Tips & Best Practices
Freeze before you start scrolling
Set up your freeze when you first open a large spreadsheet. This way, you always know which column or row you are looking at.
Freeze is view-only, not protection
Freezing does not prevent editing. To protect cells from changes, use Data > Protect sheets and ranges instead.
Freeze settings are saved with the spreadsheet
When you freeze rows or columns, that setting is saved. Other users viewing the spreadsheet will see the same freeze.
Consider your data width
If you freeze many columns, less space is available for viewing data on the right. Balance frozen columns with visible workspace.
Use with filters for better data analysis
Freeze your header row, then enable filters (Data > Create a filter). This keeps headers visible while filtering and sorting data.
Print settings are separate
Freezing affects on-screen viewing only. To repeat headers on every printed page, use File > Print > Headers & footers > Repeat frozen rows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I freeze a row in Google Sheets?
Go to View > Freeze > 1 row. The top row will stay visible while you scroll. For multiple rows, select "2 rows" or click a cell and choose "Up to current row".
How do I freeze the first column in Google Sheets?
Go to View > Freeze > 1 column. Column A will stay visible on the left while you scroll horizontally. You can freeze up to 10 columns.
Can I freeze both rows and columns at the same time?
Yes. First freeze your rows (View > Freeze > 1 row), then freeze your columns (View > Freeze > 1 column). Both settings work together.
How do I unfreeze rows or columns in Google Sheets?
Go to View > Freeze > No rows (or No columns). This removes the freeze. You can also drag the freeze handle at the top-left corner back to its original position.
How do I freeze rows in Google Sheets on mobile?
Tap the row number to select the row, tap it again (or tap the three dots menu), then tap Freeze. The process is similar for columns.
What is the difference between freeze and lock in Google Sheets?
Freeze keeps rows/columns visible while scrolling (display feature). Lock or Protect prevents editing of cells (security feature). They are independent features.
Why can I not see the freeze option?
Make sure you are clicking View in the menu bar (not right-clicking). If you are viewing in suggestion mode or do not have edit access, some options may be unavailable.
Do frozen rows print on every page?
Not automatically. To repeat frozen rows when printing, go to File > Print > Headers & footers and check "Repeat frozen rows" or "Repeat frozen columns".
Summary
Freezing rows and columns in Google Sheets helps you navigate large spreadsheets:
- Freeze rows: View > Freeze > 1 row (or 2 rows, or Up to current row)
- Freeze columns: View > Freeze > 1 column (or Up to current column)
- Freeze both: Apply row freeze first, then column freeze
- Unfreeze: View > Freeze > No rows / No columns
- Mobile: Select row/column, tap it again, choose Freeze
Frozen rows and columns stay visible while you scroll, making it easy to keep track of headers and labels in large datasets.
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