Entering Data Typing text, numbers, and dates into cells

Entering data into cells is the most basic and essential function in spreadsheets. You can input different types of data, including text, numbers, and dates, each with its own formatting rules.

Typing Text into Cells

• Used for labels, names, descriptions, or any non-numeric data.
• By default, text is left-aligned in cells.

How to Enter Text:

1. Click on a cell (e.g., A1).
2. Type any text (e.g., “Sales Report”, “Employee Name”).
3. Press Enter or Tab to move to the next cell.

Entering Numbers

• Used for calculations, quantities, prices, etc.
• By default, numbers are right-aligned in cells.

How to Enter Numbers:

1. Click on a cell (e.g., B2).
2. Type a number (e.g., 500, 3.14, -25).
3. Press Enter or Tab.

Entering Dates

• Dates are stored as numbers (Excel counts days since Jan 1, 1900).
• By default, dates are right-aligned.

How to Enter Dates:

1. Click on a cell (e.g., C3).
2. Type a date in a recognizable format (e.g., 10/15/2023, 15-Oct-23).
3. Press Enter → Excel/Sheets auto-formats it.