Excel XP

Entering Text in a Cell

You can enter three types of data in a cell: text, numbers, and formulas. Text is any entry that is not a number or formula. Numbers are values used when making calculations. Formulas are mathematical calculations.

To Enter Data into a Cell:

• Click the cell where you want to type information.
• Type the data. An insertion point appears in the cell as the data is typed.
  
  
  
  
• The data can be typed in either the cell or the Formula bar.
  
  
  
  
• Data being typed appears in the both active cell and in the formula bar.
  
  
  
  
• Notice the Cancel and Enter buttons in the formula bar.
  
  
  
  
• Click the Enter button to end the entry and turn off the formula bar buttons.

Excel's AutoComplete feature keeps track of previously-entered text. If the first few characters you type in a cell match an existing entry in that column, Microsoft Excel fills in the remaining characters for you.