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Excel Select Every Other Row – Quick Methods for Windows, macOS & Ubuntu

When working with large data sets in Excel, you may need to select every other row—for formatting, filtering, or deleting purposes. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu (via LibreOffice or Excel through Wine), there are several efficient methods to accomplish this task. In this guide, we’ll walk you through keyboard shortcuts, helper columns, and conditional formatting so you can streamline your workflow.

🧮 Why Select Every Other Row in Excel?

Selecting every alternate row is often useful for:

  • Applying alternating row colors (striped formatting)
  • Deleting or highlighting specific rows for cleanup
  • Comparing data row by row
  • Preparing data for import/export or visualization

✅ Method 1: Use a Helper Column with a Formula

Step-by-step:

  1. Insert a new column to the right or left of your dataset.
  2. In the first cell (e.g., B2), enter:
    =ISEVEN(ROW()) or =ISODD(ROW())
  3. Drag the formula down to fill the column.
  4. Filter the column to show only TRUE or FALSE.
  5. Select the visible rows.

🖱️ Tip: After filtering, press Ctrl + Shift + ↓ to quickly select visible rows on Windows/Linux, or Cmd + Shift + ↓ on macOS.

🎨 Method 2: Use Conditional Formatting to Highlight Every Other Row

  1. Select the entire data range.
  2. Go to Home > Conditional Formatting > New Rule.
  3. Choose “Use a formula to determine which cells to format”.
  4. Enter:
    =ISEVEN(ROW())
  5. Apply your desired formatting (color, bold, etc.).

This doesn’t actually “select” rows, but visually identifies them.

🔢 Method 3: Use VBA Macro (Windows/macOS)

If you’re comfortable with macros:

Sub SelectAlternateRows()
    Dim i As Long
    For i = 2 To Cells(Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row Step 2
        Rows(i).Select
    Next i
End Sub
  1. Press Alt + F11 (Windows/macOS) to open the VBA Editor.
  2. Insert a new Module.
  3. Paste the code and run it with F5.

🐧 Ubuntu/Linux: LibreOffice Calc Alternative

Excel isn’t natively available for Ubuntu, but LibreOffice Calc supports similar functions.

Steps:

  1. Insert a helper column with =ISEVEN(ROW()).
  2. Use Data → AutoFilter to filter TRUE/FALSE.
  3. Select visible rows using Ctrl + Shift + Down.

Unfortunately, advanced macros (VBA) are not supported in LibreOffice. Use Python macros if needed.

🖥️ Keyboard Shortcuts Recap

TaskWindows/LinuxmacOS
Select visible rowsCtrl + Shift + ↓Cmd + Shift + ↓
Open Conditional FormattingAlt + H + L + NNot available via shortcut
Open VBA EditorAlt + F11Fn + Option + F11
Run MacroAlt + F8Fn + Option + F8

🧠 Bonus Tip: Use Excel Tables for Easier Row Management

By converting your data into a Table (Ctrl + T), Excel automatically applies banded rows, which color every other row. This is a visual trick but often solves the need for alternate row selection.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete every other row in Excel automatically?
Yes. Use a helper column with =ISEVEN(ROW()), filter TRUE, select rows, and delete.

Does Excel have a built-in feature to select alternate rows?
No, but with formulas or conditional formatting, you can simulate this efficiently.

Can I do this in Google Sheets too?
Yes! The same formulas (=ISEVEN(ROW())) work, and conditional formatting is nearly identical.

✅ Conclusion

Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, there are multiple ways to select every other row in Excel. From helper columns and conditional formatting to macros, choosing the best method depends on your comfort level and workflow. Once mastered, this trick can save you hours of manual selection and boost your Excel efficiency.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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