<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >
Data input methods for Excel.

Data input

The data that we input into a spreadsheet can be numbers, text, dates, or times and we have several options for entering data in Excel.

Fill series

  1. Select the first cell in the range that you want to fill
  2. Type the starting value for the series
  3. Type a value in the next cell to establish a pattern
  4. Select the cell or cells that contain the starting values
  5. Drag the fill handle (the bottom right corner of the cell or range selected) across the range that you want to fill

To fill in increasing order, drag down or to the right or to fill in decreasing order, drag up or to the left.

Auto fill

This feature creates a series that produces the same results as dragging the fill handle in "Fill Series" procedure and is useful when we want to enter months, days and dates in general.

Auto Fill examples.
Initial selection Extended series (example)
1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6,...
1:00 2:00, 3:00, 4:00,...
Monday Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,...
Jan Feb, Mar, Apr,...

Auto complete

When we enter data in a column, typing the first few letters in a cell will suggest the existing value. Using this technique will eliminate typing errors.

Pick from list

When we enter data in a column, right-clicking the first blank cell will trigger a shortcut menu list. Selecting "Pick from List" option lists existing values and we can choose one of the values. By using this technique we can eliminate typing errors.

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Engineering computation with spreadsheets. OpenStax CNX. Sep 30, 2011 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11235/1.12
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Engineering computation with spreadsheets' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask