Be able to insert cell(s), row(s) and column(s), delete cell(s), row(s) and column(s), merge cells

Insert Cells, Rows & Columns

Imagine your spreadsheet as a giant Lego board. Each square is a Lego block (a cell). You can add new blocks (cells), new rows of blocks, or new columns of blocks to build the structure you need.

1. Insert a single cell: Right‑click the cell where you want the new one, choose Insert, then Cells. The existing cells shift right.
2. Insert a whole row: Right‑click the row number, choose Insert, then Entire row. All rows below move down.
3. Insert a whole column: Right‑click the column letter, choose Insert, then Entire column. All columns to the right shift right.

Tip: Use the Ctrl + Shift + + shortcut for quick insertion of cells, rows, or columns.

Delete Cells, Rows & Columns

Deleting is like removing Lego blocks from your board. Be careful—once deleted, you can't get them back unless you undo.

1. Delete a single cell: Right‑click the cell, choose Delete, then Cells. Decide whether to shift cells left or up.
2. Delete a whole row: Right‑click the row number, choose Delete, then Entire row. Rows below move up.
3. Delete a whole column: Right‑click the column letter, choose Delete, then Entire column. Columns to the right move left.

Exam tip: When deleting, double‑check that you’re removing the correct row/column—mistakes can change your data totals!

Merge Cells

Merging cells is like gluing several Lego blocks together to form a bigger block. Use it for titles or headings that span multiple columns.

1. Select the cells you want to merge.
2. Click the Merge & Center button (or right‑click and choose Merge Cells).
3. The selected cells become one larger cell, and the content is centered automatically.

Remember: Merged cells cannot be part of a normal table sort or filter. Keep them for headings only.

Practical Example

Insert a new column between B and C: Right‑click column C, choose Insert → Entire column. The table now has columns A, B, new C, D.

Formula example: In cell D2, type =SUM(A2:C2) to get the row total. The result will be 60.

Exam Preparation Checklist

• Practice inserting and deleting cells, rows, and columns until you can do it in 5 seconds.
• Remember the shortcut keys: Ctrl + Shift + + for insert, Ctrl + - for delete.
• When merging cells, ensure you only merge for headings, not for data that will be sorted.
• Check that merged cells do not interfere with any formulas you need to calculate.
• Use the Undo button (Ctrl + Z) if you accidentally delete the wrong row or column.

Good luck! 🚀 Keep practicing, and you'll master spreadsheet manipulation in no time.