Excel Basic data entry commands
Objectives
- To
learn how to get help
- To
learn how to use Excel's undo feature
- To
learn how to enter data into a cell and edit it later
- To
learn how to enter arithmetic formulas into cells.
- To
learn how to use Excel's autofill feature.
Using Excel help (F1):
In the
Search For box, type Formulas
and press the Enter key.
In the
Search Results list, click on Enter a formula and read the topics.
In the
Search Results list, click on About formulas and read the topics.
Excel Bible: Chapter 8
The most basic commands:
Note
that these commands work in most Windows applications.
|
To achieve this: |
Do this: |
|
Get Help! |
Press F1 |
|
Undo (up to the 16 last actions) |
Press Ctrl+Z |
|
Edit a cell |
Press F2 |
|
Display a pop-up
menu |
Right-click the mouse, or use the pop-up menu key on
keyboard |
Entering
formulas
|
To achieve this: |
Do this: |
|
Reference a cell |
Give the column (a letter) followed by the row (a
number), e.g. A1. |
|
Enter a formula into a cell |
Begin with an equal sign, e.g. =a1+1 |
|
Add two numbers |
+ |
|
Subtract two numbers |
- |
|
Multiply two numbers |
* |
|
Divide two numbers |
/ |
|
Raise a number to a power |
^ |
|
When you mix arithmetic operators, the priority
rules are: |
(1)
Evaluate any
expression in parentheses (2)
Raise any
number to a power (3)
Do all
multiplication and division from left to right (4)
Do all addition
and subtraction from left to right |
|
Select (highlight) cells: |
Either: (1) Drag the mouse over
them, while the cursor is a white plus sign or (2) Hold shift key down
while using cursor movement keys |
|
Format cells: |
(1)
Select the
cells (2)
Right-click (3)
Choose
"Format Cells" (4)
Select the
desired tab (5)
Select the
desired formatting option |
|
Copy a formula to adjacent cells: |
(1)
Move cursor to lower right corner of formula
to be copied (2)
When the
cursor turns into the black fill handle ( |
|
Copy a formula to non-adjacent cells: |
(1) Move cursor to the
source cell (the cell containing the formula to be copied) (2) Copy the formula to
the clipboard (<Ctrl>+c) (3) Select the destination
cells (the cells the formula is to be copied to) (4) Paste the formula from
the clipboard (<Ctrl>+v) |
|
Copy values (not formulas) |
(1) Select the cells whose
values are to be copied. (2) Copy them to the
clipboard (<ctrl>+c) (3) From the main menu,
choose "Edit" | "Paste Special" | "Values".
Instead of the formulas being copied, the values will be copied. |
|
Sum a
column/row |
(1) Move cursor to
bottom/right of column/row (2) Click on AutoSum
toolbar button: |
|
"Autofill" days |
(1)
Enter the first day (e.g. "Monday" or "Mon") (2)
Then drag right or down, using the fill handle |
|
"Autofill" months |
(1)
Enter the first
month (e.g. "January or "Jan") (2)
Then drag
right or down, using the fill handle |
), drag it to the
cells the formula is to be copied to
Revised 2005.03.09