Cut & Copy Data in an Excel Worksheet

While working in a worksheet, you can move data from one location to another. You can either remove it from it's original location and move it to another location OR you can copy the original information and paste it to another location. There are several methods for moving the data. You can use Copy & Paste, Cut & Paste, or Drag and Drop for a copy or a cut. Each of these methods is explained below.

 

Drag-and-drop is the fastest method of moving and copying data in a worksheet. Dragging refers to the action of pressing the left mouse button on a cell and moving the mouse pointer without releasing the left mouse button. Dropping refers to the action of releasing the left mouse button after taking the mouse pointer to the desired location.

 

You can move or copy data using the Edit menu or the Standard toolbar. You can move an entire cell or a part of the cell's content into another cell.

 

Excel also has a fast and easy way to copy date or formulas down a column or across or row. You use a Fill Handle.

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How To Move Data using Cut & Paste:

When you move data to another location, the data is removed from its original location and placed at the location you specify.

To move the entire content of a cell using the Edit menu:

1. Open the worksheet you want to modify.
2. Select the cell you want to move.
3. From the Edit menu choose Cut.
4. Select the cell you want to move the data to. This cell is called the destination cell.
5. From the Edit menu choose Paste.

How To Copy Data using Copy & Paste:

You may want to have the same information in several places within the worksheet. It is best to Copy and Paste the information instead of retyping it.

To copy the entire content of a cell using the Edit menu:

1. Open the worksheet you want to modify.
2. Select the cell you want to move.
3. From the Edit menu choose Copy.
4. Select the cell you want to copy the data to. This cell is called the destination cell.
5. From the Edit menu choose Paste.

The information is in the original cell and is placed in the destination cell.

How To Move Data using the Drag & Drop method:

Drag-and-drop is another way to move date around in your worksheet. It is faster too but requires a little practice.

1. Select the cell that contains the data you want to move
2. Point to the edge of the cell. The pointer will take the shape of an 4-headed arrow (Windows) or an arrow (Mac).
3. Drag the cell where you want to move the data. As you drag, a cell outline will show where the data will go when you release the button.
4. Release the mouse button when the pointer reaches the destination cell.

The data is removed from its original location and placed in the destination cell.

How To Copy Data using the Drag & Drop method:

The directions above moved the information from one cell to another, but what if you want to copy the information using the drag and drop method. It can be done but you need a special key to help you through the process.

1. Select the cell that contains the data you want to move
2. Point to the edge of the cell. The pointer will take the shape of an 4-headed arrow (Windows) or an arrow (Mac).
3. WINDOWS: Press and hold the Control key. The pointer will have a little plus sign beside it.
4. MAC: Press and hold the Option key. The pointer will have a little plus sign beside it.
5. Drag the cell where you want to move the data. As you drag, a cell outline will show where the data will go when you release the button.
6. Release the mouse button when the pointer reaches the destination cell.

The data is copied from its original location and placed in the destination cell.

How To Use the Fill Handle to copy information:

When you need to copy data or formulas down a column or across a row, you can easily use a fill handle to complete your task. A fill handle is located at the bottom right corner of a selected cell. It appears as a small box. When you select the fill handle, your cursor changes to a plus sign.

1. Select the cell that contains the data or formula you want to copy.
2. Point to the bottom right edge of the cell. The pointer will change to a plus sign.
3. Drag the fill handle to the adjacent cells where you want the data or formulas to be copies.
4. Release the mouse button.

The data is filled to the appropriate cells. If you had copied a formula, the results should be correct.