Deleting a Sheet in Microsoft Excel

How to Delete a Worksheet in Excel

If you no longer need a specific worksheet in your Excel workbook, you can delete it easily using either the right-click menu or the ribbon menu. Keep in mind that once a worksheet is deleted, it cannot be undone, so be sure you no longer need the sheet before removing it.

How to Remove a Worksheet Using the Right-Click Menu

1. Open Your Workbook: Launch your spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel.
2. Select the Sheet: At the bottom of your workbook, find the sheet you want to delete.
3. Right-Click the Sheet: Right-click on the sheet tab.
4. Delete Option: From the menu that opens, select “Delete”.
   • If the sheet is empty, it will be deleted immediately.
   • If there is data on the sheet, you will receive a prompt. Click “Delete” in the prompt to confirm and remove the sheet.

How to Remove a Worksheet Using the Ribbon Menu

1. Open Your Workbook: Open your spreadsheet in Excel.
2. Select the Sheet: Click on the sheet you want to delete.
3. Go to the Home Tab: In the ribbon at the top, select the “Home” tab.
4. Use the Delete Option: In the “Cells” section, click the down-arrow icon next to “Delete” and select “Delete Sheet”.
   • If the sheet is empty, it will be removed immediately.
   • If the sheet has data, you will see a prompt. Click “Delete” in the prompt to remove the sheet.

What to Do if “Delete” Is Grayed Out for Your Worksheet

If the “Delete” or “Delete Sheet” option is grayed out, it means your workbook is protected. To delete a sheet, you need to unlock the workbook.

1. Unlock the Workbook: Go to the “Review” tab in Excel’s ribbon.
2. Unprotect the Workbook: Click “Unprotect Workbook”. If the workbook is password-protected, you’ll need to enter the password to unlock it.
3. Delete the Worksheet: After unlocking the workbook, you can delete the sheet using one of the methods above.

Unlock powerful features with a genuine Office 2021 Professional Plus Key – get the best deal at the lowest price today!