4 Simple Ways To Insert Borders In Excel - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow 2 Quick Ways to Insert Cell Borders or Gridlines in Excel PDF download Download Article A complete guide to adding borders around cells in Microsoft Excel Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: April 8, 2024 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Inserting Borders
  • |
  • Inserting Gridlines
  • |
  • Video
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 51,968 times. Learn more...

If you want to make your data easier to read in Excel, you can add borders around the cells. Borders can be applied around each cell or around a chart. This is different from gridlines, which are the light grey lines separating each cell. Here's how to insert borders in Excel using your Windows or Mac computer.

Applying Cell Borders in an Excel Worksheet

To add borders in Excel, highlight the data. Click the Home tab and click the arrow next to the Borders icon. Select a border icon to apply it. To print with the default gridlines, go to Page Layout → Sheet Options → check the box for Print underneath Gridlines.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Inserting Borders

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Open a worksheet... 1 Open a worksheet in Microsoft Excel. You can use an existing project or create a new spreadsheet.
    • Borders are added manually and can be customized, unlike gridlines. If you have multiple pages of data that you need to print, consider using gridlines instead.
  2. Step 2 Select the range of cells you want to add borders to. 2 Select the range of cells you want to add borders to. You will be able to add a border that surrounds the entire selected range, and/or around each individual cell in the range.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Click the Home tab. 3 Click the Home tab. It's at the top of Excel.
  4. Step 4 Click the arrow next to the Borders icon. 4 Click the arrow next to the Borders icon. The Borders icon is a dotted grid on the "Font" panel at the top of Excel. A list of border styles will appear.
  5. Step 5 Select a border style. 5 Select a border style. If you want to add darker grid lines surrounding each selected cell, choose All Borders. Otherwise, choose any of the other options, such as Thick Outside Borders, which adds one solid border around the selected range.
    • To remove cell borders, select the cells again. Click the arrow next to the Borders icon in the toolbar, and then choose No Border.
    • Unlike gridlines, cell borders are always shown on printed sheets.
  6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Inserting Gridlines

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Open a worksheet in Microsoft Excel. 1 Open a worksheet in Microsoft Excel. You can use an existing project or create a new spreadsheet.[2]
    • Gridlines can't be customized in the same way borders can.
  2. Step 2 Click View. 2 Click View. This is the tab at the top.
    • If you're using Excel for Mac, click Page Layout instead.
  3. Step 3 Locate the "Show" section. 3 Locate the "Show" section. This will be between the Workbook Views and Zoom sections.
    • You should see a list of options, such as Ruler, Gridlines, Formula Bar, etc.
  4. Step 4 Check the box next to "Gridlines". 4 Check the box next to "Gridlines". When this box is checked, you'll see the gridlines appear on your Excel worksheet.
    • On Mac, check the View box underneath Gridlines. To print the gridlines, check the box for Print.
  5. Step 5 Enable gridline printing. 5 Enable gridline printing. Gridlines do not print by default. If you want to print a spreadsheet with the gridlines on, do the following:
    • Click the Page layout tab at the top.
    • Find the Sheet Options section.
    • Check the box next to Print underneath Gridlines.
  6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

wikiHow Video: How to Insert Borders in Excel

Watch

You Might Also Like

Add Grid Lines to Your Excel Spreadsheet3 Easy Ways Add Grid Lines to Your Excel Spreadsheet Add a Border to Word3 Easy Ways to Create Borders in Microsoft Word Get Rid of Dotted Lines in Excel3 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Dotted Lines in Microsoft Excel Format a Cell in Microsoft ExcelEasy Steps to Change the Format of a Cell in Microsoft Excel Use ExcelNew to Excel? Here's Super Easy Tricks to Get You Started Add Borders in Google Docs5 Easy Ways to Add a Border in Google Docs Adjust Cell Size in ExcelMicrosoft Excel: 5 Ways to Enlarge Cells in Your Spreadsheet Adjust Page Breaks in ExcelHow to Move or Delete Page Breaks in Your Excel Documents: Guide Add Borders in InDesignHow to Add Borders in InDesign Add Header Row in ExcelHow to Add a Header Row in Excel: Step-by-Step Guide Change the Colour of the Gridlines of a Table on WordHow to Change the Colour of the Gridlines of a Table on Word Indent in Excel4 Easy Ways to Indent Text in Microsoft Excel Wrap Text in Excel3 Quick & Easy Ways to Wrap Text in Excel: PC & Mac Guide Edit Data in Microsoft Excel3 Simple Ways to Edit Data in MS Excel Advertisement

References

  1. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/apply-or-remove-cell-borders-on-a-worksheet-dc8a310b-92e3-46a7-9f17-2ab745810f4a
  2. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-new-workbook-ae99f19b-cecb-4aa0-92c8-7126d6212a83

About This Article

Rain Kengly Written by: Rain Kengly wikiHow Technology Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Rain Kengly. Rain is a tech writer and editor for wikiHow with over 5 years of professional writing experience. In the past, Rain has worked with other creative writers as a Writing Tutor at San Francisco State University and has published gaming features, guides, and news articles for a variety of media outlets. Rain shares a lifelong passion for writing and gaming and is eager to grow alongside new tech inventions. This article has been viewed 51,968 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 3 Updated: April 8, 2024 Views: 51,968 Categories: Microsoft Excel Article SummaryX

To insert borders in excel, open your excel document and select the cells where you would like to add a border. Click the down arrow next to the Borders button on the Home tab which is located next to the Fonts group button. Then, select the border type from the dropdown menu. Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languagesJapanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 51,968 times.

Is this article up to date?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Rain Kengly Written by: Rain Kengly wikiHow Technology Writer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 3 Updated: April 8, 2024 Views: 51,968

Quizzes & Games

What Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizTake QuizMusic Notes & Symbols TestMusic Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GameAdvanced Roulette GamePlayPalm Reading QuizPalm Reading QuizTake Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Add Grid Lines to Your Excel Spreadsheet3 Easy Ways Add Grid Lines to Your Excel SpreadsheetAdd a Border to Word3 Easy Ways to Create Borders in Microsoft WordGet Rid of Dotted Lines in Excel3 Easy Ways to Get Rid of Dotted Lines in Microsoft ExcelFormat a Cell in Microsoft ExcelEasy Steps to Change the Format of a Cell in Microsoft Excel

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Am I Chopped QuizAm I Chopped QuizCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Crush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?Guess My Age QuizGuess My Age QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizHow Rich Will I Be QuizWhat Color Is My Name QuizWhat Color Is My Name Quiz

Featured Articles

 Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Iron PantsHow toIron PantsCut LimesHow toCut Limes Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaHow to Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaDraw 3D ShapesHow toDraw 3D ShapesMake a Sugar ScrubHow toMake a Sugar Scrub Wear a Scarf: 19 Different StylesHow to Wear a Scarf: 19 Different Styles

Trending Articles

Rank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizChildhood Trauma TestChildhood Trauma TestHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent QuizAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Is My Face Shape QuizWhat Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizWhich Taylor Swift Era Am I QuizWhich Taylor Swift Era Am I QuizTake QuizGreek Alphabet QuizGreek Alphabet QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizIQ Test For KidsIQ Test For KidsTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Software
  • Office
  • Spreadsheets
  • Microsoft Excel
wikiHow Tech Newsletter You're all set! Helpful tech how-tos delivered to your inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --572

Tag » How To Add Border In Excel