excel

How To Select Non Contiguous Cells In Excel

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Work like a spreadsheet power user and answer all your questions in seconds.


Learn more
Jump to

Excel users often need to select non-contiguous cells to perform various tasks like formatting, analyzing, or manipulating data from different parts of a worksheet. This skill is essential for efficient data handling in Excel. Understanding the right techniques to select these cells can save time and prevent errors.

Our guide provides straightforward steps to select non-contiguous cells in Excel, whether you're using a mouse, keyboard shortcuts, or the Name Box. However, we'll also explore how Sourcetable offers a more intuitive approach to this common task, potentially streamlining your workflow even further.

excel

Selecting Non-Contiguous Cells in Excel 2007

Using Mouse and Control Key

To select non-contiguous cells in Excel 2007, use the control key while clicking the desired cells with the mouse. This method allows for flexible selection across the worksheet.

Extend Selection Mode

Activate Extend Selection mode by pressing F8. With this mode active, you can use the keyboard arrows to select non-adjacent cells without the need for a mouse.

Name Box

The Name Box provides a quick method to select non-adjacent cells. Enter the cell references directly into the box to highlight them instantly.

Find and Replace

Use Find and Replace to search for specific values across the sheet. Excel will select all cells that match the criteria, including non-adjacent cells.

excel

Common Use Cases

  • excel

    Applying the same formatting to multiple cells that are not adjacent to each other

  • excel

    Summing specific cells that meet certain criteria but are spread across the worksheet

  • excel

    Copying and pasting non-adjacent cells into another worksheet or program

  • excel

    Comparing and contrasting data from non-contiguous ranges for analysis

  • excel

    Creating complex formulas that reference specific non-adjacent cells

sourcetable

Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Comparative Insight

Discover the key differences between Excel and Sourcetable, two powerful spreadsheet tools designed for data management and analysis. Excel, a long-standing giant in spreadsheet software, provides traditional functionalities for data manipulation, while Sourcetable offers innovative features for modern data integration needs.

Sourcetable stands out with its ability to aggregate data from multiple sources into a single, coherent interface. In contrast, Excel requires manual integration of data, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This integration capability makes Sourcetable an essential tool for businesses seeking streamlined data management.

Unlike Excel, Sourcetable is enhanced with an AI copilot. This feature assists users in creating complex formulas and templates efficiently, utilizing a conversational chat interface. Excel users typically rely on their expertise or seek external help for advanced formula creation.

Excel's widespread use has established it as the go-to solution for many businesses. However, Sourcetable's focus on AI assistance and multi-source data consolidation positions it as a formidable contender in the realm of spreadsheet tools, particularly for data-heavy and dynamic environments.



Sourcetable Logo

Work smarter, not harder

Boost your productivity with Sourcetable's AI spreadsheet assistant. Answer all your questions about spreadsheets in seconds. Try for free to get started.

Learn More
Drop CSV