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Move or Copy Cells in Excel


In this chapter, we will learn various methods of moving cell data from one location to another. You may move or copy cell data, including formatting and formulas, within the same worksheets or in a different workbook. For example, to consolidate the test history of patients, you can move their data from the independent worksheet to the designation workbook, where the results of all patients tests are recorded.

Using Copy and Paste in Microsoft Excel

Step 1 − Assume the sample dataset. Select the cell range A1:B7 and press the "ctrl+c" keys from the keyboard. The dotted green color is populated on the surrounding boundary when you copy the selected range of cells.

Using Copy and Paste in Microsoft Excel

Step 2 − Place the cursor on the E1 cell and press the "ctrl+v" to paste the data into another location.

Using Copy and Paste in Microsoft Excel 1

Therefore, you can move the same data to a different cell location using the paste keyword shortcut. Copying (ctrl + c) permits you to keep the data in its original position.

Using Cut and Paste Option

Unlike Copy, the cut option allows not to keep the data in its original position. For example, select the range A1:B7 and right-click on it, then choose the "Cut" option from the drop-down menu.

Using Cut and Paste Option

Place the cursor on the D5 cell, right-click on the cell, and select "Paste Options:" from the drop-down menu.

Using Cut and Paste Option 1

Hence, the cut-and-paste option moves the data to another range of cells.

Using Cut and Paste Option 2

Utilize Drag and Drop Option to Move Cells

Consider the sample dataset comprising four columns. After that, select the range A2:D7 and place the cursor on its boundary. When it becomes the move pointer, drag the cell range and drop it into the B8 cell like this.

Drop Option to Move Cells

Therefore, the selected range of cells has been moved to the different locations in a Excel worksheet.

Drop Option to Move Cells 1