Understanding Cells

A worksheet is made of many small rectangles called cells. A cell is where a row and a column meet.

  • Columns are labeled with letters (A, B, C).
  • Rows are labeled with numbers (1, 2, 3).

Each cell has a unique name, called a cell address. The cell address is based on its column and row. For example, if a cell is in column C and row 5, its address is C5.


The cell address appears in the Name box at the top-left corner. When you select a cell, its column and row headers are highlighted.

Selecting Multiple Cells

You can select more than one cell at a time. A group of cells is called a cell range. A cell range is written using the addresses of the first and last cells, separated by a colon (:).

Examples:

  • A1:A8 includes cells A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8.
  • A1:F1 includes all cells in row 1 from column A to F.

  • A1:F8 includes all cells in rows 1 to 8 from columns A to F.

How to Select a Cell

To type or edit content, you must first select a cell.

  1. Click on the cell. For example, click cell D9.
  2. A border will appear around the cell. Its column and row headers will be highlighted.

  3. The cell will stay selected until you click another cell.

You can also use arrow keys on the keyboard to select cells.

How to Select a Cell Range

Sometimes, you need to select many cells at once.

  1. Click and drag your mouse over the cells you want to select.
  2. Release the mouse. The selected cells will be highlighted.

  3. The cells will stay selected until you click somewhere else.

For example, you can select the range B5:C18 by clicking and dragging from cell B5 to cell C18.

If your columns are labeled with numbers instead of letters, you may need to change Excel’s reference style.

Next and Previous Buttons
Previous