Anyone who has spent any amount of time working with Excel knows that it can be a powerful tool to arrange and manage your data, but it can also be frustrating when things don’t go the way you want them to.
One common issue is accidentally entering data into the wrong cell, which can then throw off your whole worksheet especially when you’re dealing with a large amount of information.
Luckily, there is a quick and easy way to fix this problem without having to delete everything and start over, and that is switching and swapping the cells with each other. So, here’s a complete guide on how to switch cells in Excel. Give it a quick top to bottom read and you’ll be an expert in no time!
How to switch cells in Excel – A Step by Step Detailed Guide
- Firstly, select the cell that you want to move by left-clicking on it.
- Once the cell is selected, move the cursor over the gridlines of the cell until it starts showing a four-headed arrow.
- Now, click and hold down the left mouse button and drag the cell to its new location.
- Finally, release the mouse button and the cell will be successfully moved to a new location.
This was absolutely the most easiest way of switching cells. However, if it still seems a lot of work to you, worry not. You can always depend on that traditional method of “Cut and Paste” in the end.
Just select the cell you want to move, click on the left button on your mouse, and then click on the Cut button. Then, select the cell you want to move the cut cell to, right-click again, and then click on the Paste button. And that’s all there is to it!
However, be careful when using these commands, as they can overwrite existing data if you’re not careful. With a little practice, you’ll be an Excel master in no time!
When NOT to switch cells in Excel
Although switching cells in Excel is a relatively simple process, there are still some instances where it’s not the best solution.
For example, if you’re dealing with a lot of data, it’s probably best to just delete the incorrect entry and re-enter it in the correct cell.
This is because if you switch cells, all the formulas and data that are associated with those cells will also be switched which can lead to a lot of confusion and errors.
Additionally, if you have cells that are merged (i.e. two or more cells that are combined into one), you shouldn’t switch them as this can cause the merge to be broken and the cells will no longer be combined.
In short, only switch cells in Excel when you’re absolutely sure that it’s the best solution for what you’re trying to achieve.
Conclusion
That’s it! You now know how to switch cells in Excel. These simple techniques can save you a lot of time and frustration when working with large data sets. So the next time you’re stuck trying to figure out how to reorganize your data, remember these tips and give them a try. You might be surprised at how easy it is to fix your problem.
