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Using Rows and Columns

Columns are identified by letters A-Z for the first 26 columns and AA-AZ for the next 26 columns. The last column is IV.

Selecting Rows and Columns

You can select a whole column by either using the left mouse button to select the column heading.or by using the shortcut key (Ctrl + Spacebar).

Similarly you can select a whole row by either selecting the row heading or by using the shortcut key (Shift + Spacebar).

It is also possible to select multiple rows and columns as well as non adjacent ones.

When a column is selected all 65,536 cells are selected and likewise when a row is selected all 256 cells are selected

Column Widths

You have complete control over the width of the columns in a worksheet.

If a column is not wide enough to display its contents a couple of things might happen:

1) The contents will spill over to the adjacent cell if it is empty.

2) The contents will be truncated if the adjacent cell is not empty.

3) The number will be displayed in scientific notation (i.e. 1.46E+18) if there are too many significant figures.

4) The number will not be displayed and a series of hashes (###) will be displayed instead.

Automatic Column Widths and Row Heights

There is no builtin functionality that will let your columns widths (or row heights) change automatically as you enter more data.

The closest you have is to select (Format > Column (or Row) > AutoFit) once you have entered the actual data.

Inserting and Deleting

A column will always be inserted in front of the currently selected cell or column.

Cutting, Copying and Pasting

If you copy a range of rows or columns only the visible ones will be copied to the clipboard.

When you copy an Excel table with hidden columns, the hidden columns are not pasted into Word.

Applying Formatting

To apply formatting a whole row or column just select the row or column before applying the formatting.

To create multiple sums beneath multiple columns or at the end of multiple rows just select the range and click the AutoSum button on the standard toolbar.

Things to Remember

When you copy an Excel table with hidden columns, the hidden columns are not pasted into Word.

The cursor changes to a double headed arrow when adjusting column widths and row heights with the mouse.

(Ctrl + Spacebar) - Select the current column.

(Shift + Spacebar) - Select the current row.