Office Settings & Configuration

Fix Ctrl+Shift+Plus Not Working in Excel Without Numeric Keypad

Natalie Taylor Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to execute the Ctrl+Shift+Plus shortcut to insert a copied row because their keyboard does not have a numeric keypad.

How to Use the Ctrl+Shift+Plus Shortcut in Excel Without a Numeric Keypad

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Inserting copied rows or cells using keyboard shortcuts on a laptop or compact keyboard.
Observed behavior: The user is unable to trigger the insertion of a copied row because they cannot locate or properly press the designated Plus key on a keyboard lacking a numpad.

Before you start

Make sure you have already selected and copied a row (using Ctrl+C) so that Excel has data ready to insert into the new space.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Top-Row Plus Key

Use the Plus key located on the main alphanumeric typing area of your keyboard to execute the shortcut.

On standard QWERTY keyboards without a dedicated numeric keypad, the Plus (+) symbol shares a key with the Equals (=) sign, typically located next to the Backspace key. You can successfully execute the shortcut using this key.

Copy the target row

Select the row you wish to duplicate and press Ctrl + C on your keyboard.

Select the destination

Click on the row number where you want the copied row to be inserted.

Execute the shortcut

Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys, then press the Equals/Plus (=/+) key located on the top number row of your keyboard.

Why Shift is Required: Because the Plus (+) symbol is the secondary upper character on the Equals (=) key, holding Shift is necessary to register the keystroke as a Plus rather than an Equals sign.

Solution 2

Use the Right-Click Context Menu

If using complex keyboard combinations is difficult on your compact layout, use the mouse as a quick alternative to insert copied rows.

Insert Rows Seamlessly with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet fully supports standard Excel keyboard shortcuts, allowing you to manage your data quickly on any device or keyboard layout. It's perfectly optimized for laptop users without a numeric keypad.

1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the document you are working on.
2. Copy the row: Click the row number to select it, then press Ctrl + C.
3. Select the insertion point: Click the row number directly below where you want your copied row to be placed.
4. Use the top-row shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + = (the Plus key next to Backspace) to instantly insert the copied cells.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) formatsSupports all standard spreadsheet keyboard shortcutsLightweight interface optimized for smaller screens and laptopsFree to use for everyday data management and calculations

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the shortcut to delete a row in Excel?

To delete a selected row, you can use the Ctrl + Minus (-) shortcut. On a keyboard without a numpad, use the Minus key located on the top number row, next to the Equals/Plus key.

Why does Ctrl+Plus zoom in on my screen instead of inserting a row?

If Ctrl+Plus zooms in, you might be using it inside a web browser interface (like Excel for Web) or a different application. Ensure your cursor is actively focused within the spreadsheet grid before pressing the shortcut.

Can I just insert a blank row instead of a copied row?

Yes. If you simply select a row without copying anything first, pressing Ctrl+Shift+Plus will insert a completely blank row above your selection.

What if my laptop keyboard requires an Fn key for the top row?

If your laptop's top row functions as media keys by default, you may need to press the Fn (Function) key alongside your standard shortcut, or toggle the Fn Lock, to properly register standard keystrokes.

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