How to Select a Data Range in Google Sheets (2023 Update)

In this article we will show you how to select a data range in Google Sheets in just a few clicks. Simply follow the steps below.

Select a Data Range in Google Sheets

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For the purpose of this demonstration we have created an example data set. Click here to access the sheet and follow along at home.

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In this example we have a list of colors and reference numbers that we will select.

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1. Select a cell in the range of your dataset 

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Click on any cell of the data range you want to select. 

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In the example below we have selected cell A6.

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Selecting the Entire Data Range 

1. To select all data, press and hold “CTRL”+ “A” (“Cmd ⌘” + “A” for Mac) on the keyboard.

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On the keyboard, press and hold Ctrl and then press the A key to select the entire dataset like our example below.

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For Mac, press and hold Cmd ⌘ and then the A key.

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Or alternatively, click on the first cell then drag and highlight the rest of the dataset. 

Selecting One Column in a Data Range

1. To select the column of data, press and hold the “CTRL” key on the Keyboard and then press the “Spacebar”.

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Press and hold the CTRL key on the keyboard and then press the Spacebar. This will work on Windows and Mac.

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The entire dataset of that column will then be selected just like our example below. 

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Selecting One Row in a Data Range

1. To select the row of data, press and hold the “Shift” key then press the “SpaceBar”

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On the keyboard press and hold the Shift key and then press the SpaceBar. This will work for Windows and Mac.

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The entire row within your data set will now be selected as in our example below.