Where the methods are slightly different, I’ve added a note to explain this.
The Issue
However, merging cells causes issues when you attempt to perform actions with your data.
First, if you attempt to sort your data, you’ll receive an warning pop-up.
The Solution
First, click “Merge and Center” to unmerge the cells.
“Center Across Selection” only works across rows, and not down columns.
There’s a really easy way to deal with these issues.
First, select all the data in your original, unformatted table, including your header columns and rows.
To do the same in Excel for the web, select your data and click Insert > Table.
Finally, Excel would automatically apply formulas to any new rows I add.
However, if you have lots of blank rows, you could use the COUNTA function to rectify this.
Then, press Enter.
Next, drag the AutoFill handle to the bottom of your data.
In the Sort Warning dialog box, choose “Expand The Selection” and click “Sort.”
Finally, delete your COUNTA column.
Excel’s AutoFill can recognize patterns in your data and fill in the rest for you.
Start by typing the first two values in your data.
Then, select these values and use the AutoFill handle to complete the data.
In this example, I have referenced cells B2 and F1 when calculating the total value in cell C2.
Relative referencesassess the relative positions between cells.
Then, when I AutoFill the remaining totals, Excel will continue to reference F1 to make the calculation.
Excel lets you control what other people can enter into a spreadsheet throughdata validationandlocked cells.
Data validation dictates what throw in of data can be input into a cell.
To do this, select and right-click those cells, and click “Format Cells.”
you might also enter a password if you wish.
To reverse this action, click “Unprotect Sheet.”
As with any software, especially the Microsoft 365 suite of programs, practice makes perfect.
