Chapter 2 Working with Data 37
Entering Data with Autofi ll
If you’re inserting a column or row of values that follow some sequential
pattern, you can save yourself time by using Excel’s Autofi ll feature. The Au-
tofi ll feature allows you to fi ll up a range of values with a series of numbers
To practice entering data, you’ll insert this information into a blank work-
sheet. To enter data, you fi rst select the cell corresponding to the upper left
corner of the table, making it the active cell. You then type the value or text
you want placed in the cell. To move between cells, you can either press the
Tab key to move to the next column in the same row or press the Enter key
to move to the next row in the same column. If you are entering data into
several columns, the Enter key will move you to the next row in the fi rst
column of the data set.
To enter the fi rst row of the service station data set:
1 Launch Excel as described in Chapter 1.
Excel shows an empty workbook with the name Book1 in the title bar.
2 Click cell A1 to make it the active cell.
3 Type Station and then press Ta b.
4 Type Gas in cell B1 and press Ta b.
5 Type Other in cell C1 and press Enter.
Excel moves you to cell A2, making it the active cell.
6 Using the same technique, type the next two rows of the table, so
that data for the first two stations are displayed. Your worksheet
should appear as in Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1
The first
rows of
the service
station
data set
