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Getting Started With Excel

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11 views1 page

Getting Started With Excel

Uploaded by

sunny4364
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Part I: Getting Started with Excel

Using Ctrl+Enter to place information into multiple cells simultaneously


If you need to enter the same data into multiple cells, Excel offers a handy shortcut. Select
all the cells that you want to contain the data, enter the value, text, or formula, and then
press Ctrl+Enter. The same information is inserted into each cell in the selection.
Entering decimal points automatically
If you need to enter lots of numbers with a fixed number of decimal places, Excel has a
useful tool that works like some old adding machines. Access the Excel Options dialog box
and click the Advanced tab. Select the Automatically Insert a Decimal Point check box and
make sure that the Places box is set for the correct number of decimal places for the data
you need to enter.
When this option is set, Excel supplies the decimal points for you automatically. For
example, if you specify two decimal places, entering 12345 into a cell is interpreted as
123.45. To restore things to normal, just clear the Automatically Insert a Decimal Point
check box in the Excel Options dialog box. Changing this setting doesn’t affect any values
that you already entered.
Caution
The fixed decimal places option is a global setting and applies to all workbooks (not just the active workbook). If you
forget that this option is turned on, you can easily end up entering incorrect values — or cause some major confusion if
someone else uses your computer.
Using AutoFill to enter a series of values
The Excel AutoFill feature makes inserting a series of values or text items in a range of
cells easy. It uses the AutoFill handle (the small box at the lower right of the active cell).
You can drag the AutoFill handle to copy the cell or automatically complete a series.
Figure 2.5 shows an example. I entered 1 into cell A1 and 3 into cell A2. Then I selected
both cells and dragged down the fill handle to create a linear series of odd numbers. The
figure also shows an icon that, when clicked, displays some additional AutoFill options.
Tip
If you drag the AutoFill handle while you press and hold the right mouse button, Excel displays a shortcut menu with
additional fill options.
Using AutoComplete to automate data entry
The Excel AutoComplete feature makes entering the same text into multiple cells easy.
With AutoComplete, you type the first few letters of a text entry into a cell, and Excel
automatically completes the entry based on other entries that you already made in the column.
Besides reducing typing, this feature also ensures that your entries are spelled correctly
and are consistent.

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