2. Excel Worksheet Basics

2.2. Entering and Editing Data

Entering Data

  1. Click the cell where you want to enter information.

  2. Type the data:

    • Text: Names, addresses, descriptions.

    • Numbers: Quantities, prices, ages.

    • Formulas: For calculations like =A2+B2.

  3. Press Enter (to move down to the next row) or Tab (to move to the next column).

Tip: Be careful with numbers that have leading zeros (like phone numbers). Excel might drop the zero unless the cell is formatted as Text.

2.2 Editing Data

  • Edit directly in the cell: Double-click the cell and make changes.

  • Edit in the formula bar: Select the cell and change the content in the formula bar at the top.

  • Delete content: Select the cell and press Delete.

  • Replace content: Simply type new data in the cell; it will overwrite the old content.

2.3 Additional Notes

  • You can copy and paste data between cells.

  • Undo mistakes using Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac).

  • Data validation and formatting can help prevent errors when entering data.

In short:

  • Rows = horizontal, represent records

  • Columns = vertical, represent categories

  • Cells = where data is stored

  • Enter data by typing in cells, navigate with Enter/Tab

  • Edit by double-clicking or using the formula bar