The work area of a spreadsheet is organized as a matrix of cells. Data
entered into a spreadsheet must be entered into a specific cell. (You can
merge cells using the Format/Cells.../Alignment option,
but the group of merged cells will still have a single specific cell reference.)
Data may be text (or labels), numbers, or formulas. Text entered into a
cell may span multiple cells. The value of numbers or formulas are restricted
to the cell where they were defined.
Entering data is a three step process:
As you are entering data you can correct mistakes with the Backspace
key, or if you want to undo all the changes you have made since you selected
the cell, press the button on the entry bar.
The avi movie to the right shows an example of entering the three different
datatypes into a spreadsheet. Notice that the movie demonstrates two methods
of submitting data. Sometimes the ![]() |
|
If you select a cell and begin typing, the data you enter will replace the existing data in the cell. You can edit the contents of a cell by double-clicking that cell. This will place the insertion bar inside the cell. (Alternately, you could select a cell and click the display area of the formula bar. This will set the insertion bar in the display area of the formula bar.) Once the insertion bar is placed inside the cell, you may use the arrow keys to position the insertion bar within the value to be edited.
The following animation demonstrates both methods.
Copyright 1997 by the Curators of the University of Missouri |