In this tutorial you will learn how to freeze rows and columns in Google Sheets effectively. Google Sheets is a powerful tool for managing and analysing data, but large datasets can become challenging sometimes. One way to maintain context as you scroll through your data is by freezing rows and columns. This guide How to freeze rows and columns in Google Sheets will walk you through the steps to freeze rows and columns in Google Sheets, making your data easier to navigate.
If you are beginner to Google sheets then you can also read this blog. Google Sheets Basic Tutorial
Why Freeze Rows and Columns?
Freezing rows or columns is particularly useful when you have header rows or columns with labels that you need to reference while scrolling through your spreadsheet. This feature keeps these headers in view, so you don’t lose track of what data each row or column represents or no need to remember headers.
How to Freeze Rows and Columns in Google Sheets
There are 2 methods that you can freeze rows and columns in Google Sheets. Both methods mentioned in details below.
- Drag and Drop method
- From View menu
Drag and Drop method
First method to freeze rows and columns in Google Sheets is Drag and Drop method which is easier to apply and less time consuming. For Drag and Drop method there are two thick grey lines horizontal and vertical lines near above 1 row and left side of A column. You can see below in picture.

Above 1 row thick grey line is for freezing rows and before A column thick grey line is for freezing columns. when you hover over on the thick grey line you will see a hand mouse picture then drag that line according you want freeze number of rows or columns.
Same drag thick grey color line towards row 1 to unfreeze rows and drag towards before column A to unfreeze columns in Google Sheets.

Freeze from View Menu in Google Sheets:
Second method for freezing rows and columns in Google Sheets is from View menu.
Go to View menu then go to Freeze option then you can see multiple options there.
No Rows, 1 row, 2 rows and upto row (mouse cursor) these options showing for freezing rows in Google Sheets. If you want freeze 1st row then click on 1 row option, if you want freeze 2 rows then click on 2 rows option and if you want to freeze more than 2 rows then before clicking on View menu click on number of row for example if you want freeze 7 rows then click (put mouse cursor) on cells of 7 rows in you Google Sheets then go to View menu then you can see now Up to 7 row option there and click on that option. If you want remove freezing rows then click on No rows.
No columns, 1 columns, 2 columns and upto columns (mouse cursor) these options showing for freezing columns in Google Sheets. Same method apply for freezing columns in Google Sheets. You can choose any option 1 columns, 2 columns and upto columns to freeze columns in Google sheets. If you want to freeze upto F column then before applying freezing click on any cell of F column then go to View menu, click on Freeze then you will see option upto to column F, click on that option upto column F freezes. If you want to remove freezing columns then click on No columns option. You can see options in below image.

Freezing rows and columns in Google Sheets is a simple yet effective way to keep your data organized and accessible. Whether you’re working on a small project or managing a large dataset, this feature will help you maintain a clear view of your critical data points. Give it a try, and experience the improved workflow for yourself!
For more tips and tricks on using Google Sheets, stay tuned to our blog!