Hide Zero
The Hide Zero tool hides rows and columns that contain only zeros. This helps you create cleaner, easier-to-read reports.
You can apply the feature manually or enable auto-hide, which dynamically hides and unhides rows or columns as data changes. The tool also includes an Unhide button to temporarily show hidden content. All actions apply to a selected range, and you can select multiple ranges at once. The function only evaluates numeric cells. If multiple ranges are selected, every column in a given range must contain only zeros to be hidden.
You can access Hide Zero from the Analysis tab of a workbook.
When to use Hide Zero
- Clarifying data: Hide rows and columns with zero values to focus on meaningful content.
- Automating updates: Let the workbook adjust visibility automatically after data refreshes.
- Controlling layout: Choose between manual or auto-hide options for flexible report design.
Hide a zero row or column
Hiding zero-filled rows and columns can improve readability by removing unnecessary visual clutter.
To hide a zero row or column:
- Without selecting the row or column header, drag your cursor over the cell range you want to hide. You can select multiple ranges at once.
- On the Analysis tab, select Hide Zero, then choose one of these options:
- Hide Zero Row or Hide Zero Column: Manually hide rows or columns that contain only zeros.
- Autohide Row or Autohide Column: Automatically hide zero-filled rows or columns after each data refresh.
- To view hidden ranges, select the Formulas tab, then Name Manager.
Note: Edit the hidden ranges in the Name Manager is not recommended, as they are used for refresh logic. - Click Save.
The Hide Zero function only evaluates numeric values. If multiple ranges are defined, all columns in each range must contain only zeros to be hidden.
Unhide a zero row or column
Unhide with Autohide
Use this method for rows and columns hidden using the Autohide option:
- Click and drag your cursor over the cell ranges you want to unhide.
- On the Analysis tab, select Unhide, then choose Unhide Row or Unhide Column to temporarily reveal the hidden content.
- Click Save.
Unhide manually
Use this method for rows and columns hidden manually:
- Click and drag over the ranges you want to reveal. You must select the entire row or column.
- Right-click the selected row or column headers and choose Unhide.
- Click Save.
Hide Zero properties
The Hide Zero tool includes options for hiding zero rows and columns, as well as unhiding them temporarily.
Hide Zero functions
Auto-hide may impact performance when used with larger datasets.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Hide Zero Row | Manually hides rows with only zero values in the selected range. |
| Hide Zero Column | Manually hides columns with only zero values in the selected range. All other defined ranges must also contain zeros. |
| Hide Zero All | Hides both rows and columns that contain only zero values. |
| Autohide Row | Automatically hides rows with only zero values after each data refresh. The selected ranges are stored in the Name Manager. |
| Autohide Column | Automatically hides columns with only zero values after each data refresh. All other defined ranges must also contain zeros. The selected ranges are stored in the Name Manager. |
| Autohide All | Automatically hides both rows and columns with only zero values after each data refresh. The selected ranges are stored in the Name Manager. |
| Re-apply Autohide | Reapplies the hiding logic after temporarily unhiding rows or columns. |
Unhide functions
These options only apply to rows and columns hidden using the Autohide feature.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Unhide Row | Temporarily reveals autohidden rows for review before reapplying the hide logic. |
| Unhide Column | Temporarily reveals autohidden columns for review before reapplying the hide logic. |
| Unhide All | Temporarily reveals all autohidden rows and columns. |
| Forget Autohide Ranges | Deletes all stored ranges from the Name Manager to stop auto-hide from being applied. |