This page provides tips on selecting cells individually and in groups.

Excel acts on cells you have selected.

If you begin typing, you'll start entering information into the currently selected cell, even if there's already something in it.  Use the Big Fat White Plus Sign when selecting, or you might wreck your spreadsheet:

• To select a cell:

 


Hover the Big Fat White Plus Sign over the cell you want to select, and click once on the left mouse button.  Until you become accustomed to the screen, check the formula bar to make sure you've selected what you thought you did.  You'll get used to it after a while, and won't have to check any more.
 

• To select a group of cells and act on them all at once:

 Hover the Big Fat White Plus Sign over one corner.  Click once and drag to the diagonal corner.

The entire area will be shaded in, except the cell that's currently active.  That cell will still look normal.  It's the one you would type over if you begin typing now.



(While you're selecting, Excel will momentarily show you how many rows and columns you've selected, as in the 9R x4C above.  When you stop, it will show you the currently selected cell address (A1) again.)

   
•  To select an entire column:
 

Hover your Big Fat White Plus Sign over the title letter of the column and click once on the left mouse button.
 

• To select an entire row:


Hover your Big Fat White Plus Sign over the title row number (all the way on the left), and click once.  The title row number and the line will be highlighted.