Find hidden rows and columns in Excel before you sign off

Hidden rows and columns are often harmless helper areas, but they can also hold excluded or overridden data that still flows into totals.

Why it matters

• SUM includes hidden rows, so totals may not match what is visible.
• Filtered and hidden rows look the same in print.

How to find it manually in Excel

1. Select all (Ctrl + A) and use Home → Format → Hide & Unhide → Unhide Rows/Columns.
2. Look for skipped row numbers or column letters.

How DraftReview detects it

Row and column visibility is read from the sheet definition; findings list the hidden rows and columns per sheet.

How to fix it

1. Unhide and review the content.
2. Group rows instead of hiding them when they are meant to be collapsible.

Related checks

• Hard-coded numbers in formula columns
• Inconsistent formulas
• Broken references (#REF!)