3 Ways To Select Every Other Row In Google Sheets

When working with large datasets in Google Sheets, it's not uncommon to need to select every other row for analysis, formatting, or other purposes. Selecting every other row can be a bit tricky, but there are several methods to achieve this. Here, we'll explore three different ways to select every other row in Google Sheets, each with its own set of benefits and applications.

The Importance of Selecting Every Other Row

Before diving into the methods, let's quickly discuss why selecting every other row might be necessary. In data analysis, you might want to:

• Alternate data for better visualization
• Apply different formatting rules to distinguish between data types
• Perform calculations or data manipulation on alternating rows
• Prepare data for pivot tables or other data summarization techniques

Whatever the reason, being able to select every other row efficiently is a valuable skill in Google Sheets.

Method 1: Using the "every other row" shortcut

One of the quickest ways to select every other row in Google Sheets is by using a keyboard shortcut. Here's how:

1. Select the first row you want to include in your selection.
2. Hold down the Ctrl key (or Cmd on a Mac) and the Shift key.
3. Press the ↓ (down arrow) key to select every other row below the initial row.

This method is particularly useful when you need to select a large number of rows quickly.

Variations of the shortcut method

If you want to select every other row starting from the second row, you can modify the shortcut method as follows:

1. Select the second row you want to include in your selection.
2. Hold down the Ctrl key (or Cmd on a Mac) and the Shift key.
3. Press the ↓ (down arrow) key to select every other row below the initial row.

Method 2: Using a formula to select every other row

Another way to select every other row in Google Sheets is by using a formula. Here's how:

1. Create a new column next to your data (e.g., Column B).
2. In the first cell of the new column, enter the formula: =ISEVEN(ROW(A1)) (assuming your data starts in Cell A1).
3. Copy the formula down to the rest of the cells in the new column.
4. Select the entire range of cells in the new column.
5. Go to "Data" > "Filter views" > "Create new filter view".
6. In the filter view, select "Custom formula is" and enter =TRUE.
7. Click "OK" to apply the filter.

This method is useful when you need to select every other row based on a specific condition or criteria.

Modifying the formula for different row selections

If you want to select every other row starting from the second row, you can modify the formula as follows:

1. Create a new column next to your data (e.g., Column B).
2. In the first cell of the new column, enter the formula: =ISODD(ROW(A1)) (assuming your data starts in Cell A1).
3. Copy the formula down to the rest of the cells in the new column.
4. Select the entire range of cells in the new column.
5. Go to "Data" > "Filter views" > "Create new filter view".
6. In the filter view, select "Custom formula is" and enter =TRUE.
7. Click "OK" to apply the filter.

Method 3: Using a script to select every other row

The third method involves using a script to select every other row in Google Sheets. Here's how:

1. Open your Google Sheet.
2. Click on "Tools" > "Script editor".
3. In the script editor, create a new function: function selectEveryOtherRow() { var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet(); var range = sheet.getDataRange(); var numRows = range.getNumRows(); for (var i = 1; i <= numRows; i += 2) { sheet.getRange(i, 1).activate(); } }.
4. Save the script by clicking on the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl+S (or Cmd+S on a Mac).
5. Go back to your Google Sheet and click on "Tools" > "Script editor" > "Run" > "selectEveryOtherRow".

This method is useful when you need to automate the process of selecting every other row or when working with large datasets.

Modifying the script for different row selections

If you want to select every other row starting from the second row, you can modify the script as follows:

1. Open your Google Sheet.
2. Click on "Tools" > "Script editor".
3. In the script editor, create a new function: function selectEveryOtherRow() { var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet(); var range = sheet.getDataRange(); var numRows = range.getNumRows(); for (var i = 2; i <= numRows; i += 2) { sheet.getRange(i, 1).activate(); } }.
4. Save the script by clicking on the floppy disk icon or pressing Ctrl+S (or Cmd+S on a Mac).
5. Go back to your Google Sheet and click on "Tools" > "Script editor" > "Run" > "selectEveryOtherRow".

Gallery of Selecting Every Other Row Methods

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the different methods to select every other row in Google Sheets. Whether you prefer using shortcuts, formulas, or scripts, there's a method that suits your needs.

Do you have any favorite methods for selecting every other row in Google Sheets? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!