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Home ] Up ] Introduction to Excel ] [ Entering a Range of Data ] Formatting Cells to Match Data Types ] Cut, Copy, Paste and Move Data ] Inserting and Deleting Rows and Columns ] Entering and Replicating Formulas ] Using Simple Functions ] Producing Charts with Labels ] Printing Selected Areas ]

Entering a Range of Data

Entering Text

Tips on Entering Column and Row Labels

Entering Values

Copying/Filling the Same Data to More than One Cell

Entering a Series of Numbers

Entering Text

  1. Select the cell you wish to use by double clicking on it with your mouse button.  You will see a black border around the cell you selected and it is now called active.
  2. Type the text you wish to enter.  You will see it appear in your cell and the formula bar.
  3. Press enter: the text appears in the cell, and the cell selector moves down one cell.
  4. If your entry doesn't fit see changing column widths.
  5. If you want to enter numbers as text (post codes for example), place an apostrophe in front of your entry.
  6. If you want the cell selector to move horizontally rather then vertically press Tab instead of enter.

*You can also click the formula bar and enter the data here.

Tips on Entering Column and Row Labels

  1. Column labels tell you what type of information can be found in that column.  Column labels usually give intervals of time (months, days, hours, for example).
  2. Row labels tell you what type of information can be found in a particular row.  Row labels usually tell you what type of data you are dealing with (employee names, income, expenses, etc.)

Entering Values

  1. Click on the cell where you wish your value to be.
  2. Type your value. If you wish to enter a negative number type a minus sign (-), or surround your number with parenthesis.
  3. Press the enter or tab key.  The value will appear in the cell and the cell selector will move to the next cell.

Copying/Filling the Same Data to More than One Cell

If you need to enter the exact same data into more than one column or row then you can use the fill feature.

  1. Enter data into a cell.
  2. Click on the cell with the data you wish to copy. 
  3. Click and hold the fill handle.
  4. Drag the fill handle until all the required cells are full.
  5. Release the mouse button and all the cells should have the same data in them.       

Entering a Series of Numbers

If you want to enter data which runs in a series (e.g. January, February, March or 1,2,3) follow these steps:

  1. Enter data into a cell.
  2. Click on the cell with the data you have entered.
  3. Click and hold the filling handle.                                                           
  4. Drag the filling handle until the desired cells are fill.
  5. Release the cell button and your series should be complete.