Cut, copy and paste values

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Shortcut drill What you'll do
Intro

Copy formulas, paste just the values, and move cells.

Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V copy; Ctrl+Shift+V pastes values only; Ctrl+X then Ctrl+V moves.

This lesson is about keyboard shortcuts, so it needs a computer with a keyboard.

D2
ABCDEFGHIJ
1ProductPriceQtyValueSnapshot
2Stapler9327Ask about bulk discount
3USB-C Hub3324Next order due Monday
4Monitor Stand337
5Office Chair9514
6Desk Organiser1825
7Notebook A537
8Filing Cabinet17117
9
10
11
12
Type to enter a value or a formula starting with =. F2 edits, F4 adds $ to a reference.
Study notes

In a bit more detail

  • What happens to a pasted formula?

    It moves with the paste, like a fill: =B2*C2 pasted two rows down becomes =B4*C4. Copy one cell and paste it over a whole selection to fill all of it.

  • What is paste values?

    It pastes what the cells show, not their formulas. Use it to keep a snapshot of totals that won't change when the data does, or to send numbers without the workings.

  • Which keys paste values?

    Ctrl+Shift+V in Excel for Microsoft 365. In every version, Ctrl+Alt+V opens Paste Special, then V and Enter paste values. In Google Sheets it's Ctrl+Shift+V too.

  • How is cut different from copy?

    Cut (Ctrl+X) moves the cells: they leave their old place when you paste. A cut formula keeps its references exactly as they were, while a copied one moves them.

  • And on a Mac?

    Use Cmd for Ctrl: Cmd+C, Cmd+X, Cmd+V.

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