How to Freeze Panes in Excel
Freeze rows and columns in Excel so your headers stay visible as you scroll. Step-by-step for freezing the top row, first column, or any custom split — and how to unfreeze.
When you scroll down or right in a large spreadsheet, your column headers disappear. Freeze Panes locks rows or columns in place so they stay visible no matter how far you scroll. It's one of the most-used Excel features for anyone working with data tables longer than a screen.
Freeze the top row
This is the most common case — keep your header row visible while scrolling down.
Step 1. Click anywhere in the spreadsheet (no need to select a specific cell).
Step 2. Go to View → Freeze Panes → Freeze Top Row.
That's it. A thin line appears below row 1, and it stays fixed as you scroll.
Freeze the first column
To keep column A visible while scrolling right:
View → Freeze Panes → Freeze First Column
Freeze multiple rows or columns
To freeze the first two rows and the first two columns:
Step 1. Click on cell C3 — one cell below and one cell to the right of everything you want frozen.
Step 2. Go to View → Freeze Panes → Freeze Panes (the first option, not Top Row or First Column).
The rule: whatever is above and to the left of your selected cell gets frozen.
✦ TIP
To freeze just the first three rows, click cell A4 then choose Freeze Panes. You don't need to select a cell in both directions unless you're freezing both rows and columns at once.
Unfreeze panes
View → Freeze Panes → Unfreeze Panes
The option only appears when something is currently frozen. If you see "Freeze Top Row" and "Freeze First Column" but no "Unfreeze Panes", nothing is currently locked.
Common issues
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Can't see Freeze Panes option | Cell is in Edit mode | Press Escape first |
| Freeze line appears in the wrong place | Wrong cell was selected | Unfreeze and reselect the correct cell |
| Freeze Panes is greyed out | Workbook is protected or in Page Layout view | Switch to Normal view (View → Normal) |
→ NOTE
Freeze Panes only affects your view — it doesn't change the data or how the file prints. For print headers, use Page Layout → Print Titles instead.
The Griddy way
If you're spending time formatting and navigating a complex spreadsheet when you'd rather be analyzing it, just describe what you need:
"Set up this sheet so the first row and first two columns are frozen, and format the header row in bold with a grey background"
Griddy handles the formatting and navigation setup in one step.
Skip the manual work
Describe it. Griddy does it.
Instead of writing this formula yourself, just tell Griddy what you need in plain English. Works in Excel and Google Sheets.