Entering a Range in a Formula by Dragging

A cell reference identifies a cell or group of cells and points to the values to use in a formula. You can enter cell references by typing the name of the cell in the formula, but this can be inaccurate and time consuming. An easy way to enter cell references into formulas is by dragging.

To enter cell references by dragging:

1. Click in the cell in which you want to enter the formula.
2. Begin the formula by typing an equal sign.
3. To select a range, click and hold the left mouse button down in the first cell of the range.
4. Drag your mouse until a box appears around all the cells in the range.
5. Release the mouse button. The range of cells appears in the formula.
6. Enter any functions, operators, or constants in your formula.

To enter a single cell reference—begin the formula, and when you are ready to enter the reference, click the cell.