How do I set a header row in Excel?

No one was able to answer this question, noting several threads closed off without addressing the question.

I was pulling my hair out trying to make sense of the directions, but all seemed to only offer a solution when creating a *new* sheet/table.


To set a row of headers is simple, and it annoys me that I spent so long trying to figure it out.


  1. Highlight the row you wish to make the Header Row.
  2. Press the "Data" tab
  3. Press the filter button once.


And Voila!

You now have row headers with drop-down menus to sort, isolate, and highlight the data that you need.



[Edited by Moderator]

iMac 27″, macOS 14.7

Posted on Jul 14, 2025 10:28 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 15, 2025 9:07 AM

For what it's worth, you create a header row by typing labels in the row. Excel can recognize these when you do a sort. If it doesn't recognize them automatically, there is a check box in the sort dialog.


What you've created are filters.

4 replies

Jul 15, 2025 9:31 AM in response to Lawrence Finch

Lawrence Finch wrote:

• OK, the REALLY easy way:

Select the top row
• Go to the View menu
• Choose Freeze Top Row

At the risk of being pedantic (okay, I'm always pedantic), I'd say that's not creating a header row, either. Just freezing it. I have a very wide spreadsheet I use all the time. I have the first four or so columns frozen so that even as I move right, I still know which row I'm in. The frozen columns have names, dates and departments.


But freezing sections is an extremely useful tool.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

How do I set a header row in Excel?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.