How to Copy Numbers in Excel Without Formula

If you use Microsoft Excel on a regular basis, you probably already know the importance of formulas when working with data. However, there may be cases where you need to copy numbers from one cell to another without copying formulas, and that can be a challenging task if you do not know the proper steps to follow.

Fortunately, you can copy numbers in Excel without copying formulas by using a couple of simple methods. In this blog post, we will explain step by step how to copy numbers in Excel without formula, and you will be able to do it quickly and easily even if you are new to Excel.

Why Copy Numbers in Excel Without Formulas?

Copying numbers in Excel is a common task, but sometimes you do not want to copy formulas along with the numbers. This can be due to various reasons such as maintaining a clean data set, avoiding errors, or simply copying numbers to another location. Whatever the reason, it is essential to know how to copy numbers in Excel without formulas.

Method 1: Copy and Paste Special

The first method to copy numbers without formulas is by using the Copy and Paste Special feature. Here are the steps:

1. Select the cells you want to copy.
2. Right-click the selected cells and click Copy (or use the Ctrl + C shortcut).
3. Right-click the destination cell and click Paste Special (or use the Ctrl + Alt + V shortcut).
4. In the Paste Special dialog box, select Values and click OK.

That’s it! The numbers will be copied to the destination cell without any formulas.

Method 2: Drag and Drop

The second method to copy numbers without formulas is by using the mouse to drag and drop cells. Here are the steps:

1. Select the cells you want to copy.
2. Hover your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the selected cells until you see the crosshair cursor.
3. Click and drag the cells to the destination cell.
4. Release the mouse button and select “Copy Here” from the context menu.

That’s it! The numbers will be copied to the destination cell without formulas.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks that can be helpful when copying numbers in Excel:

Use Absolute References

If you are copying formulas, it is essential to use absolute references to avoid errors when copying. Use the $ symbol to make a reference absolute.

Use the Autofill Feature

If you need to copy numbers in a sequence, use the Autofill feature to save time and avoid errors. Simply enter the first two numbers in the sequence and drag the fill handle.

Use the Clipboard

The Clipboard is a powerful tool in Excel that can handle multiple items at the same time. Use it to copy and paste multiple items in one action.

Copying numbers in Excel without formulas can be helpful in many situations. Use Copy and Paste Special or drag and drop methods we have covered in this article to avoid errors and maintain a clean data set.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you prefer using keyboard shortcuts to copy numbers in Excel, there are two shortcuts you can use:

• Copy: Ctrl + C
• Paste Special: Ctrl + Alt + V

Simply select the cells you want to copy, press Ctrl + C to copy, select the destination cell, press Ctrl + Alt + V to open the Paste Special dialog box, select Values, and click OK.

Copying Numbers with Formatting

When copying numbers in Excel, you may also want to copy the formatting of the original cells. To do this, use the Copy Formatting and Paste Formatting options in the Home tab.

To copy the formatting of a cell:

1. Select the cell with the formatting you want to copy.
2. Click the Format Painter button in the Home tab.
3. Select the cells you want to apply the formatting to.

To paste the formatting of a cell:

1. Select the cell with the formatting you want to copy.
2. Click the Format Painter button in the Home tab.
3. Double-click the Format Painter button to lock it.
4. Select the cells you want to apply the formatting to.
5. Press the Esc key to unlock the Format Painter.

Cleaning Up Data Sets

If you are working with large data sets, it can be challenging to spot errors, duplicates, or invalid data. Excel has a powerful feature called Data Validation that helps you manage your data better.

Data Validation allows you to define rules and constraints for the data entered in a cell or range of cells. For example, you can prevent users from entering duplicate values, restrict data to specific values, and set data input limits.

To set up Data Validation in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Select the cells you want to validate.
2. Click the Data Validation button in the Data tab.
3. Select the validation criteria you want to apply.

With Data Validation in place, you can ensure that your data is accurate, reliable, and consistent. This will save you time and effort in data processing and analysis.

Copying numbers in Excel without formulas is easy and straightforward. Use the methods and tips we have covered in this article to save time and work with clean data sets. Remember also to use keyboard shortcuts and formatting options, and keep your data consistent with Data Validation.

FAQ

Here are some common questions and answers related to copying numbers in Excel without formulas:

Q: How do I copy numbers without formulas and keep the formatting?

A: To copy numbers and keep the formatting, select the cells you want to copy, right-click, and select Copy or press Ctrl + C. Then right-click the destination cell, click the drop-down arrow under Paste Options, and select Keep Source Formatting or use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + V, F.

Q: Can I copy numbers between workbooks?

A: Yes. Copying numbers between workbooks is the same as copying numbers within the same workbook. Select the cells you want to copy, press Ctrl + C to copy, select the destination workbook, select the destination cell, and press Ctrl + V to paste.

Q: What does “Values and Number Formatting” mean in the Paste Special box?

A: “Values and Number Formatting” is an option in the Paste Special box that allows you to copy both the numerical values and the number formatting of the cells. This can be useful when you want to copy numbers with specific decimal places, currency symbols, or custom formatting.

Q: How can I copy only visible cells without formulas?

A: To copy only visible cells without formulas, select the cells you want to copy, press F5, click the Special button, select Visible Cells Only, and click OK. Then, copy and paste the visible cells to the destination range.

Q: Can I copy numbers without formulas using VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH?

A: No. VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH are formula-based functions that require a reference to another cell or range. If you copy the cell with the formula, Excel will update the cell references in the formula, which may cause errors. To copy numbers without formulas, use the methods we have covered in this article.