7. Copy/ Paste/ Paste Special

These are some of the most useful features, they will save you time and typing!


To get the value of "1" in multiple cells.  Type it into one cell and then highlight the cell and copy it. (<Ctrl> C) Highlight the cells where you want the value of "1" and then paste (<Ctrl> V).


Here is another way to copy and paste.  To copy a particular cell or group of cells, highlight the cell or cells and choose Edit Copy. Move to the destination cell and choose Edit Paste.  You need to practice this on your own Excel file.

 Let's copy cell A1 to cell E1
Click in cell A1
Click on Edit
Click on Copy
Click in cell E1
Click on Edit
Click on Paste
The value from A1 should now appear in E1

When copying formulas, the references change depending on the column and row you are pasting to. If a value in a referenced cell is copied, to maintain the new cell as a value choose Edit Paste Special and click on value then click OK. The pasted cell is no longer a formula.

Let's copy cell C1 to two cells two different ways:
  1. Click in cell C1
    Click on Edit
    Click on Copy
    Click in cell F1
    Click on Edit
    Click on Paste
  2. Click in cell C1
    Click on Edit
    Click on Copy
    Click in cell G1
    Click on Edit

    Click on Paste Special Click on Values
    Click OK

Compare Cell F1 and Cell G1 - look at the formulas on the edit line.  

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