Spreadsheets

Unit 1: Introducing the Spreadsheet

Lesson 2: Entering Data

How do you enter data (text, numbers, and formulas) into a worksheet?

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:

Select the cell where you want to enter the data.
Enter the data from the keyboard.
Submit the data. You can submit the data by clicking the button on the entry bar, pressing Enter or selecting another cell.

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

is used to submit the data, and other times another cell is selected.

AVI Movie Animation

How do you correct or edit data in a cell?

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.