Entering Data

Let’s put in some data. In April it rained 4.3 inches. Click on cell A2 and type 4.3. You don’t need to add the word “inches.” In May it rained 2.8. June got 1.5. In July things turned to dust with only .78 inches. August wasn’t much better with .8. The rains they came in September: 9.6 inches. In October it was back to normal at 4.5 inches and November had 4.5 inches of precipitation.

To make a graph, first select the data. Nothing happens until you select it. Click on cell A1 and hold your left mouse button. Slide across to G2. All of the labels and data are selected now. Are you with me?

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Everyone thinks spreadsheets are hard. Once you get used to the names and methods, using a computer is much faster than pencil and paper. There are only three elements to a spreadsheet: labels, data, and formulas. Keep it simple!