Row and column grouping in Google Sheets - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This table shows students' names and their scores in three subjects: Math, Science, and History.

Cell	Value
A1	Name
B1	Math
C1	Science
D1	History
A2	Alice
B2	85
C2	90
D2	88
A3	Bob
B3	78
C3	82
D3	80
A4	Charlie
B4	92
C4	88
D4	91

Formula Trace

No formula used; this example demonstrates grouping rows 2 to 4 and columns B to D.

Step 1: Select rows 2 to 4

Step 2: Apply row grouping to selected rows

Step 3: Select columns B to D

Step 4: Apply column grouping to selected columns

Cell Reference Map

    A      B      C      D
1 | Name | Math | Science | History |
2 | Alice|  85  |   90    |   88    |
3 | Bob  |  78  |   82    |   80    |
4 |Charlie| 92  |   88    |   91    |

Rows 2-4 grouped (student data)
Columns B-D grouped (subject scores)

Rows 2 to 4 and columns B to D are selected and grouped to allow collapsing or expanding these data sections.

Result

    A      B      C      D
1 | Name | Math | Science | History |
  +-----------------------------+
  | (grouped rows 2-4 collapsed) |
  +-----------------------------+

Columns B-D can be collapsed to hide scores, showing only names.

The grouped rows 2 to 4 can be collapsed to hide all student data rows. Similarly, grouped columns B to D can be collapsed to hide all subject scores, leaving only the names visible.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What happens when you collapse the grouped rows 2 to 4?

A Columns B to D are hidden

B Rows 2 to 4 are hidden from view

C Only row 2 is hidden

D Nothing changes

Key Result

Row and column grouping does not use formulas; it groups selected rows or columns to collapse or expand them.