To freeze a row in Excel, go to the View tab, click Freeze Panes, and choose Freeze Top Row. Row 1 stays visible while you scroll down. To freeze more than one row, click the row number just below the last row you want to freeze, then choose View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes.
Quick Answer
Top row: View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Top Row. Several rows: select the row below them > View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes.
Freeze the Top Row
- Open the worksheet.
- Click the View tab.
- Click Freeze Panes in the Window group.
- Choose Freeze Top Row.
A thin line appears under row 1 to show the freeze.
Freeze Multiple Rows (Such as the Top 2 Rows)
- Click the row number below the rows you want frozen. For the top two rows, click row 3.
- Go to View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes.
Everything above the selected row stays in place. Make sure you’ve scrolled to the top first; rows scrolled out of view when you freeze stay hidden.
Freeze Rows and Columns Together
Pick the first cell that should scroll, meaning the one just past your header rows and label columns, then choose View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes. Selecting B2, for example, locks row 1 and column A together.
Freeze Options at a Glance
| Goal | Select first | Command |
|---|---|---|
| Row 1 only | Anything | Freeze Top Row |
| Column A only | Anything | Freeze First Column |
| Rows 1–3 | Row 4 | Freeze Panes |
| Row 1 and column A | Cell B2 | Freeze Panes |
| Remove freezing | Anything | Unfreeze Panes |
Unfreeze Rows
Go to View > Freeze Panes > Unfreeze Panes.
Freeze Rows in Excel for the Web and Mac
- Excel for the web: View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Top Row or Freeze Panes, the same as Windows.
- Excel for Mac: View tab > Freeze Top Row, or select the row below and click Freeze Panes.
Troubleshooting
- Freeze Panes is grayed out: You’re editing a cell (press Esc), the sheet is in Page Layout view (switch to Normal), or the workbook is protected.
- The wrong rows froze: Unfreeze, scroll to the top, select the correct row, and freeze again.
- You want the header on printed pages: Freezing only affects the screen. See how to print the top row on every page.
- Rows seem missing near the top: They may be hidden, not frozen; see how to hide and unhide rows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the shortcut for Freeze Panes?
Press Alt, W, F, then R for Freeze Top Row, F for Freeze Panes, or C for Freeze First Column.
Can I freeze a row in the middle of the sheet?
No. Freezing always keeps rows from the top of the sheet. Use Split (View > Split) to view two distant areas at once.
Does freezing change my data?
No. It only affects how the sheet scrolls on screen.
Summary
- Open the View tab.
- Click Freeze Panes.
- Choose Freeze Top Row, or select the row below and choose Freeze Panes.
- Use Unfreeze Panes to undo.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.