How to Use the Paste Special Command in Excel

By eHow Computers Editor

Rate: (1 Ratings)

Instead of copying entire cells, you can copy specified cell contents - such as the cell format or the result of a formula, but not the formula itself - with the Paste Special command in Microsoft Excel 2000. You can also switch data from columns to rows and vice versa.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Pasting Only Values, Formulas, Comments, or Cell Formats

Step1
Select the cell or range of cells you want to copy.
Step2
Open the Edit menu and select Copy.
Step3
Click the cell you want to paste the information into, or click the upper left boundary of the cell range you want to paste the information into.
Step4
Open the Edit menu and select Paste Special.
Step5
Select Formula to copy only the formula of the cell.
Step6
Highlight Values to copy only the outcome of the formula you copied into the cell and not the formula itself.
Step7
Select Format to copy just the format of the cell (font, alignment, and so on).
Step8
Choose Comments to copy only annotations for the cell.
Step9
Click OK to accept the option you selected.

Switching Rows of Cells to Columns or Columns to Rows

Step1
Select the cells that you want to switch.
Step2
Open the Edit menu and select Copy.
Step3
Select the upper left cell of the paste area. The paste area must be outside the copy area.
Step4
Open the Edit menu and select Paste Special.
Step5
Select the Transpose check box.
Step6
Click OK.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do not press Enter after you click OK. If you do, you'll copy the cells within the moving border to the paste area.
  • To cancel the moving border, press Esc.
  • When you copy comments, the copied comments replace any existing comments in the destination cells.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Use the Paste Special Command in Excel

eHow Computers Editor

eHow Computers Editor

Category: Computers

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads