3 Simple Ways to Edit Data in MS Excel

PDF download Download Article
Learn multiple ways to change the data you see in Excel quickly
PDF download Download Article

If you're not very familiar with Microsoft Excel, it might seem an intimidating program to use. Fortunately, it's easy to get started. You can type in data, copy and paste it from other documents, and format it with just a few clicks. With a little practice, you'll be able to quickly enter, edit and manage data in Microsoft Excel.

Things You Should Know

  • Once you've entered data into cells, select the area you want to edit by highlighting it.
  • Double-click a cell if you want to edit a single cell individually.
  • If you want to format your cells, click "Format" in the editing ribbon.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Entering and Selecting Data

PDF download Download Article
  1. You can locate Excel by clicking the "Start" menu, selecting "All Programs," selecting "Microsoft Office" and then choosing "Microsoft Excel." Excel comes with the Microsoft Office suite of products generally packaged with Windows computers and notebooks.
    • Mac users who have purchased Excel for Mac will find the program located in their Dock or among by opening "Finder" and then selecting "Applications."
  2. A blank "workbook" may automatically appear upon opening Excel. Otherwise, you'll see a "Template Gallery" from which you can either select a new blank workbook or a specially formatted template.
    • You may always open a new spreadsheet while working on another workbook in Excel. Simply click on "File" from the menu bar and select the "New Workbook" option.
    Advertisement
  3. You may type numbers, words, equations, formulas or functions in any cell after selecting and clicking on it.
    • When finished with a given cell, press ↵ Enter or Tab ↹ to automatically move to the next cell horizontally.
    • You may also create a new line within a cell on which to add more text. Simply enter a "Line Break" by pressing Alt + ↵ Enter .
  4. Enter text into Row 1 to create column headings for your data. For instance, enter "Name" into cell A1 and “Date” into cell B1 and allow these to serve as your column headers for tracking name and date information.
  5. Excel is able to learn patterns underlying your data and then fill in data based on that pattern to save you time and energy. Begin by establishing a pattern in consecutive cells (e.g. typing "January" in one cell and "February" in the next). Then select the populated cells and click and drag the bottom right corner of your selected rectangle to expand the pattern into new cells. Excel will automatically recognize your established pattern and fill in subsequent cells with "March", "April" and so on.
    • Excel can recognize many common patterns such as days of the week, evenly-spaced dates, consecutive numbers, and many others.
  6. To select a range of cells via your mouse (in order to format or edit larger quantities of data), simply click the beginning or end of a data range and drag your cursor in your desired direction to highlight the appropriate text. There are also a number of helpful keyboard shortcuts enumerated below. [1]
    • Pressing Ctrl and the spacebar extends a selection throughout the column where the original cell is located.
    • Pressing ⇧ Shift and the spacebar extends a selection throughout the row where the original cell is located.
    • Pressing Ctrl + ⇧ Shift and the spacebar or Ctrl + A will select the entire worksheet.
  7. Begin by clicking a row number (this will select the entire row). Select the row that you'd like your new row to go above. Right-click ( Control +click on Mac) and select "Insert" from the menu that appears. [2]
    • This function is also available from the "Home" tab by selecting "Insert" from the "Cells" and then "Insert Sheet Rows."
    • Inserting multiple rows requires you to select multiple rows above the location in which you wish to place new rows. Simply select the same number of rows that you want to be inserted below.
  8. Begin by clicking a column letter (this will select the entire column). Select the column that you'd like your new column to go to the left of. Right-click ( Control +click on Mac) and select "Insert" from the menu that appears.
    • This function is also available from the "Home" tab by selecting "Insert" from the "Cells" and then "Insert Sheet Rows."
    • Inserting multiple columns requires you to select multiple columns to the right of the location in which you wish to place new columns. Simply select the same number of columns that you want to be inserted to the left.
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Editing Data

PDF download Download Article
  1. After selecting the cell(s) you wish to copy, right-click and select "Copy" from the menu that appears. Alternately press Ctrl + C (or ⌘ Command + C for Mac users). This will add the selected data to your clipboard.
  2. After selecting the cell(s) you wish to cut, right-click and select "Cut" from the menu that appears. Alternately press Ctrl + X (or ⌘ Command + X for Mac users). This will add the selected data to your clipboard.
  3. After selecting the cell(s) in which you wish to paste your data, right-click and select "Paste" from the menu that appears. Alternately, press Ctrl (or ⌘ Command for Mac users). This will paste the contents of the copied or cut cell(s).
    • If your cell contains a formula, "Paste" will paste the formula not the calculated value of the formula. In order to "Paste" cell values, use "Paste Special"
  4. Begin by selecting "Edit" from the "Home" tab and clicking "Paste Special." Select "Values" from the list of attributes to paste. [3]
    • Depending on your version of Excel, other options in the "Paste Special" may include "Comments" (text comments which can be added to individual cells), "Formats" (all text formatting selections), or "All" to paste everything at once. [4]
  5. Simply select the cell(s) in which you wish to delete text and press Del or right-click and select "Delete" from the menu that appears.
  6. Highlight your chosen cells and activate the "move pointer" (appearing as four directional arrows for Windows users or as a hand icon for Mac users). Drag to your preferred location to replace any existing data there with the cells you've decided to move [5]
  7. Excel uses "formulas" to make calculations within a cell and can reference other cells as part of that calculation. Click the cell in which you wish to enter the formula and then begin by typing "=". Now type a mathematical formula and click "Enter". Excel will display the results (not the formula itself).
  8. Formulas can reference other cells and their values. While typing a formula, simply click a single cell or a range of cells and Excel will automatically populate the cell's name (e.g., B2, D5) into your formula. Now your formula references that specific cell and will draw a value from it continuously. If the value in the referenced cell changes, the results of your formula will as well.
    • You can also reference values from other worksheets. Begin by selecting the cell in which you wish to reference a value, type an "=' in the formula bar and then type your desired formula immediately after the "=." After typing the formula, simply click on the tab for the worksheet you wish to reference and then select the desired data range that you want to be entered into the formula.
  9. You can track changes by selecting "Tools" from the menu bar and then clicking "Track Changes." Finally, select "Highlight Changes."
    • If this option is unavailable, you are in a Read-Only format. Under "Track Changes," check the option next to "Track changes while editing. This also shares your workbook." Once this option is selected, then you can make changes and view those changes by selecting this option again and checking the box next to "Highlight Changes."
  10. This can be a useful way to discuss edits made on an Excel spreadsheet. Begin by selecting the cell(s) on which you wish to comment. Then select "Insert" from the menu bar and click "Insert Comment" from the menu that appears. A text box will appear in your desired location and allow you to leave a comment.
  11. Select "File" from the menu bar and click "Save." Then select the "Save In" drop-down list button and choose your preferred folder. If you attempt to exit Excel before saving your most recent changes, a dialogue box will appear and ask if you wish to save your changes. You may either click "Save" or "Don't Save" depending on your preference.
    12. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Formatting Data

PDF download Download Article
  1. Be sure that the "Format" ribbon is visible so that you can easily and quickly access a variety of formatting options. Simply click the downward-pointing arrow at the right side of the "Format" ribbon to expand it. This will allow you to adjust font style and size while also making text italicized, bold, or underlined. It also gives you shortcut access to several of the functions discussed in the formatting steps outlined below. [6]
    • A right-click on a cell or group of cells also brings up formatting options. After right-clicking the cell(s), select "Format Cells." This will provide you with a number of options with respect to Number (style), Alignment, Font, Border, Patterns, and Protection.
  2. This will cause text to wrap around and remain visible within a cell rather than trailing off and becoming obscured by the next cell. Begin by highlighting the cells you wish to adjust. Then, under the "Home" tab, look at the "Alignment" group of buttons and select the "Wrap Text" option.
    • You can also adjust your text to fit cells so that columns and rows automatically adjust their width or height (respectively) in order to accommodate the content within a cell. Under the "Home" tab, look at the "Cells" group of buttons and click "Format." From the "Format" menu, select "Cell Size" and click either "AutoFit Column Width" or "AutoFit Row Height."
  3. This will cause your text to be justified on the left, right, or center part of the cells. Begin by highlighting the cells you wish to adjust. Then, under the "Home" tab, select the appropriate alignment. You'll see three buttons with lines oriented so as to demonstrate the side of the cell(s) in which the text will begin.
  4. You'll find several basic numbering styles on the "Format" toolbar itself. Simply select the cell(s) you wish to format and then click the appropriate numeric style located on the toolbar. To access additional styles, right-click on the selected cell(s), click "Format Cells" and then select the "Number" tab. You'll see a variety of options listed under "Category."
  5. Select the cell(s) for which you wish to adjust the text color. Then, from the "Format" toolbar, click the downward pointing arrow next to "Font Color." This is the option that looks like the letter "A" with a colored line underneath it. Clicking the arrow with display a menu with a variety of color options.
  6. Select the cell(s) for which you wish to adjust the background color. Then, from the "Format" toolbar, click the downward pointing arrow next to "Fill Color." This is the option that looks like a letter paint can with a colored line underneath it. Clicking the arrow with display a menu with a variety of color options.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I want to edit information in an Excel spread sheet, but I can't alter information in the cells.
    Community Answer
    Your Excel document may be in "Read Only" mode. After opening Excel, click the "Office Orb" at the upper, lefthand side of the screen and select "Open" to access your desired document. Then click that orb again and select "Save As." Then select the "Tools" button next to "Save" and click "General Options." Finally, uncheck the box located next to "Read-only," click "OK" and select "Save" for the changes to take effect.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do i change background colors?
    Community Answer
    First, select the cell(s) for which you wish to change the background color. Then, from the "Format" toolbar, click the downward pointing arrow next to "Fill Color." This is the option that looks like a letter paint can with a colored line underneath it. Clicking the arrow with display a menu with a variety of color options.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I create a worksheet?
    Community Answer
    A blank "workbook" may automatically appear upon opening Excel. Otherwise, you'll see a "Template Gallery" from which you can either select a new blank workbook or a specially formatted template. You may always open a new spreadsheet while working on another workbook in Excel. Simply click on "File" from the menu bar and select the "New Workbook" option.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • You can also create conditional formatting for specific cells (or categories of cells). Under the "Home" tab, choose "Conditional Formatting" from the "Styles" group of buttons. [7]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Pressing CTRL Shift and the appropriate directional arrow extends a selection to the last populated cell in the same column or row as the original cell.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Pressing CTRL Shift + ⇱ Home extends a selection to the very beginning of the worksheet.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Group and Outline Excel Data: Easily Collapse Rows of Info
      How to
      Create a Currency Converter With Microsoft Excel
      How to
      Create a Mortgage Calculator With Microsoft Excel
      How to
      Apply Conditional Formatting in Excel
      How to
      Use Google Sheets: The Ultimate Guide for Getting Started
      How to
      Sort Microsoft Excel Columns Alphabetically
      How to
      Merge Cells in Microsoft Excel: A Quick Guide
      How to
      Unprotect an Excel Sheet
      How to
      Unhide All Rows and Columns in Microsoft Excel
      How to
      Use If‐Else in Microsoft Excel: Step-by-Step Tutorial
      How to
      Insert Pictures in Excel That Automatically Size to Fit Cells
      How to
      Create a Graph in Excel
      How to
      Show Hidden Columns in Microsoft Excel & Unhide Column A
      How to
      Fix Ethernet Doesn't Have a Valid IP Configuration on Windows
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/for-seniors-how-to-select-a-range-in-microsoft-exc.html
      2. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Insert-or-delete-cells-rows-and-columns-6f40e6e4-85af-45e0-b39d-65dd504a3246
      3. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Copy-and-paste-specific-cell-contents-a956b1c3-cd5a-4245-852c-42e8f83ffe71
      4. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Copy-cell-values-not-formulas-12687B4D-C79F-4137-B0CC-947C229C55B9
      5. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Move-or-copy-cells-and-cell-contents-803d65eb-6a3e-4534-8c6f-ff12d1c4139e
      6. ↑ http://www.learningcomputer.com/microsoft-excel-tutorial/formatmenu.html
      7. ↑ https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Use-a-formula-to-apply-conditional-formatting-fed60dfa-1d3f-4e13-9ecb-f1951ff89d7f

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 147,633 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement