Selecting and deselecting data

Before you can modify data, you must select the cell or range containing the data. For example, before changing the format of numbers in a range, you must select the range.

Use any of the following methods to select data.

To select... Do this...
A single cell Click the cell.
A range Click the first cell in the range, drag the mouse to the end of the range, and release the mouse button. For example, to select the range A1..C6: click cell A1, hold down the mouse button, drag to cell C6, and release the mouse button.
An entire column or row Click the column letter or row number.
A range of columns or rows Drag over the column letters or row numbers of the range of columns or rows you want to select.
All cells in the worksheet In the action bar, click Edit and then in the pop-up menu click Select All; or click the sheet selector button at the top-left corner of the sheet.

A selected range appears highlighted, and the selection indicator at the top of the worksheet displays the address or name of the current selection.

Selected data

When you click a command in the action bar or in a pop-up menu, the command applies only to the range you selected. For example, when you click Cut in the action bar, only data in the selected range is cut.



Deselecting data

To deselect data, click anywhere outside the current selection.



See also
How do I use the mouse?
Keyboard shortcuts
Going to a range in the worksheet