Excel: Entering Data

3. Entering Data:

Step-by-step guided on how to input data into cells

To input data into cells in Excel, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Open Microsoft Excel: Launch the Excel application on your computer. You can find it in your list of installed programs or by searching for it in the Start menu.

2. Create a new workbook: When Excel opens, you will see a blank workbook with multiple sheets. You can start by using the default Sheet 1 or create a new sheet by clicking on the “+” icon at the bottom left corner of the window.

3. Select the cell: Click on the desired cell where you want to input your data. Cells are identified by their column letter and row number, such as A1, B2, etc. You can also select a range of cells by clicking and dragging your mouse over them.

4. Input the data: Once you have selected the cell(s), you can start typing in your data. Excel allows you to input various types of information, including text, numbers, dates, and formulas. Simply start typing, and the data will appear in the selected cell(s) as well as in the formula bar at the top of the Excel window.

5. Edit or format the data (optional): If necessary, you can edit or format the data in the cell(s). To edit, double-click on the cell to activate its editing mode, make changes, and press Enter when finished. To format, right-click on the cell(s) and choose “Format Cells” from the context menu to adjust properties like font style, size, alignment, number format, etc.

6. Move to another cell: After entering data into a cell, you can move to another cell by using either your mouse or keyboard. To move with your mouse, simply click on the desired cell. To move with your keyboard, use the arrow keys to navigate up, down, left, or right.

7. Repeat steps 3-6: Continue selecting cells and inputting data as needed. You can enter data into multiple cells at once by selecting a range of cells before typing.

8. Save your workbook: It is important to save your Excel workbook periodically to avoid losing your data. Click on the “File” tab in the top left corner, select “Save” or “Save As,” choose a location on your computer, and provide a name for the file. Click “Save” to save your workbook.

9. Close Excel: When you have finished entering data and saved your workbook, you can close Excel by clicking on the “X” icon in the top right corner of the window or by selecting “Close” from the File menu.