Inserting Cells

Inserting Cells

Although inserting rows and columns makes it easy to dramatically change the layout of a worksheet, on occasion you might need to insert only a cell or cells into a worksheet. Inserting cells causes the data in existing cells to shift down a row or over a column to create a space for the new cells.

Watch Your Formulas and Functions Inserting cells into a worksheet can throw off the cell references in formulas and functions. Double-check your formulas and functions after inserting cells to make sure that the calculations are acting upon the appropriate cell addresses.

To insert a single cell or a group of cells, follow these steps:

1. Select the area where you want the new cells inserted. Excel inserts the same number of cells as you select.

2. Select the Insert menu and then select Cells . The Insert dialog box appears (see Figure 12.2).

   Figure 12.2. You can insert cells into a worksheet using the Insert dialog box.

   

3. Select Shift Cells Right or Shift Cells Down (or you can choose to have an entire row or column inserted).

4. Click OK . Excel inserts the cells and shifts the adjacent cells in the direction you specify.

You will find that inserting cells is useful if you have entered rows of information and have mismatched data, such as a customer's name with someone else's order information. Inserting a couple of cells enables you to quickly edit the data without having to delete data or insert a new row.

Drag Insert Cells A quick way to insert cells is to select the number of cells you want, hold down the Shift key, and then drag the fill handle up, down, left, or right to set the position of the new cells.