Excel for Beginners Part 2 Entering and Formatting Data

Enter clean text, numbers and dates, then format a worksheet so readers can understand it quickly.

What you will learn

• Enter and edit common data types
• Use AutoFill and Flash Fill carefully
• Apply readable number and cell formatting

Before you begin

Open Microsoft Excel or another spreadsheet application that supports standard Excel formulas. Create a practice copy so mistakes are safe to undo. Complete each action yourself rather than only reading it.

Enter reliable data

Excel treats text, numbers and dates differently. Enter numbers without currency symbols when possible, then apply a currency format.

Double-click a cell or press F2 to edit its contents. Use Ctrl plus Z to undo and Ctrl plus Y to redo.

Fill repeated patterns

Drag the fill handle, the small square at the lower-right of the selection, to continue months, dates or number patterns.

Flash Fill can recognise a text pattern. Always inspect the results because it copies a pattern, not your intention.

Format for meaning

Use bold headings, sensible column widths and consistent alignment. Apply Currency, Percentage or Date formats rather than typing symbols into each cell.

Wrap Text keeps long headings visible. Avoid merging cells inside data tables because sorting and filtering become harder.

Guided practice

1. Build a simple sales list with Date, Product, Quantity and Price columns.
2. Enter at least eight rows and use AutoFill for dates.
3. Format the headings, dates and prices.
4. Use AutoFit so every value is readable.

Knowledge check

1. Why should currency symbols usually be applied as formatting?
2. What does the fill handle do?
3. Why should merged cells be avoided in data tables?

Completion standard

You are ready for the next part when you can complete the guided practice without copying the instructions word for word and can answer the knowledge-check questions in your own language.