Working with an Excel Worksheet



We will now investigate the utilities available in Excel that allow data to be manipulated within a spreadsheet.

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Moving Around a Worksheet



There are a couple different ways in which you may move around in your Excel worksheet:

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Entering Data



Using the mouse, click on the cell you want to enter data into and start typing. (Yes, it is that simple!) The selected cell should be ready for data entry, and should appear as the one shown:

When you have finished typing in your data, press the [Enter] key or click on the little box (the edit line) located below the Ruler. It should have an X next to it. If you have decided you do not want to enter the data as typed, press the [Esc] key. Thus, you should click on the box if the data or formula you entered into the cell is acceptable to you. (Same as [Enter]).

The X box next to the box should be clicked if the data you entered is not acceptable to you. (Same as [Esc]).

As an example, try choosing cell A1 as shown above and enter your name. Notice that your name also appears on the edit line, just below the Ruler. (This is where changes are made). [Enter], hitting an arrow key, or clicking the mouse in another cell will enter your data. Now try editing your name. Select cell A1 and click the mouse on the edit line near the part of your name you want to change. Use [Del] or [BackSpace] to delete items.

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Editing Data



To change a cell that already has data, move to the desired cell using the mouse cursor. Then click on the data with the mouse. (Note: You may click on the data contained within the cell itself, or you may move the mouse to the box below the Ruler, where your data should appear). Once you have made your changes using the [BackSpace] or [Delete] key, press [Enter]. Your data for that cell should be modified.

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Using Formulas



Excel will allow you to enter basic mathematical operations on any chosen cell. To do so, you need to remember the following:

You can also reference other cells within your worksheet when creating a formula by using the arrow keys when you are editing a cell.

Now click here for an example of entering a formula.

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Cell Maneuvers



To move or copy one or more cells to other cells, you can do the following:

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Editing Rows and Columns



First, highlight the appropriate column or row with the mouse.

To insert a row or column:

To delete a row or column:

You may also want to change the column width if the entered data is too large to fit inside the cell. You should:

Now click here to see how to use a "Fill Down" technique to fill row or column data quickly.

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Formatting Cell Data



To customize the style and format of cells containing numbers:

To customize the style and font of cells containing text:

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Sorting Cell Data



Excel allows you to sort numerical data contained within your cells. You can also specify whether you want the data in ascending or descending order. Do the following:

Your data should then be sorted!

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