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How to Select Every Other Cell in Excel?

Are you looking for an easier way to select every other cell in Excel? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to selecting every other cell in Excel, so you can save time and effort while working with your data. We’ll also provide helpful tips and tricks to make the process even smoother. Get ready to learn the art of selecting every other cell in Excel!

How to Select Every Other Cell in Excel?

Selecting Every Other Cell in Excel

Excel is a powerful tool for data analysis, and one of its most useful features is the ability to select every other cell in a column. This can be especially helpful when dealing with larger data sets and can quickly streamline your workflow. In this article, we’ll discuss the different methods for selecting every other cell in Excel, as well as a few tips and tricks to make the process easier.

Using the Keyboard Shortcut

The most efficient way to select every other cell in Excel is to use the keyboard shortcut. To do this, start by selecting the first cell in a column. Then, press and hold the CTRL key and press the down arrow key. This will select the first cell and every other cell until the last cell in the column. You can also reverse the selection by pressing and holding the CTRL key and pressing the up arrow key.

Using the AutoFill Function

Another option for selecting every other cell in Excel is to use the AutoFill function. To do this, start by selecting the first two cells in a column. Then, click and hold the small square in the bottom right corner of the second cell and drag it down the column. This will fill in every other cell until the last cell in the column.

Using a Formula

If you need to select every other cell in a large data set, you can use a formula to save time. Start by entering the following formula into the first cell in the column: =MOD(ROW(),2)=1. This will check the row number for each cell and select only cells with a row number that is divisible by two.

Using the Filter Function

The filter function in Excel is a powerful tool for quickly selecting every other cell in a column. To use this function, start by selecting the column you want to filter. Then, click the Filter icon in the Data tab and select Filter by Color. From here, choose the color you want to filter the column by. This will select only cells with the color you selected, which can be used to select every other cell in the column.

Using the Find and Replace Tool

The Find and Replace tool in Excel can also be used to select every other cell in a column. To use this tool, start by selecting the column you want to filter. Then, open the Find and Replace tool and enter the following formula: =MOD(ROW(),2)=1. This will find and select only cells with a row number that is divisible by two.

Using the Custom Formatting Feature

Excel also has a custom formatting feature that can be used to select every other cell in a column. To use this feature, start by selecting the cells you want to format. Then, click the Format Cells icon in the Home tab and select the Custom option. From here, enter the following formula: =MOD(ROW(),2)=1. This will format only cells with a row number that is divisible by two.

Tips and Tricks for Selecting Every Other Cell in Excel

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

One of the best ways to quickly select every other cell in Excel is to use keyboard shortcuts. For example, the CTRL + DOWN arrow key will select the first cell and every other cell until the last cell in the column. Additionally, the CTRL + UP arrow key will reverse the selection and select only the cells between the first and last cell.

Using Multiple Columns

If you need to select every other cell in multiple columns, you can use the keyboard shortcut to quickly select the first cell in each column. Then, press and hold the SHIFT key and use the down arrow key to select the remaining cells. This will select every other cell in multiple columns and can save you a lot of time.

Using a Macro

If you need to select every other cell in a large data set, you can use a macro to save time. To do this, start by recording a macro that selects the first cell in a column. Then, use the keyboard shortcut to select the remaining cells and save the macro. This macro can then be used to quickly select every other cell in the column in the future.

Few Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the easiest way to select every other cell in Excel?

A1: The easiest way to select every other cell in Excel is to use the “Alt + ;” shortcut. This shortcut allows you to quickly select a range of cells that is every other one in the sheet. To use this shortcut, select the first cell you want to select and then press and hold the “Alt” key and then press the “;” key. This will select all the cells, in the column and row, that are every other one from the original cell.

Q2: How do I select every other cell while skipping the first cell?

A2: To select every other cell while skipping the first cell, you can use the “Alt + ;” shortcut and then select the second cell in the range. This will select all the cells, in the column and row, that are every other one from the second cell. For example, if you select the second cell in the range, the shortcut will select all the cells that are two rows or two columns away.

Q3: Is it possible to select only certain cells in the range?

A3: Yes, it is possible to select only certain cells in the range when using the “Alt + ;” shortcut. To do this, you will need to select the first cell in the range and then press and hold the “Shift” key while pressing the “Left Arrow” or “Right Arrow” key. This will select all the cells in the range that are in the same column or row as the first cell.

Q4: How do I select every other cell in a row?

A4: To select every other cell in a row, you can use the “Alt + ;” shortcut and then select the first cell in the row. This will select all the cells that are two columns away from the first cell. For example, if you select the first cell in the row, the shortcut will select all the cells that are two columns away.

Q5: How do I select every other cell in a column?

A5: To select every other cell in a column, you can use the “Alt + ;” shortcut and then select the first cell in the column. This will select all the cells that are two rows away from the first cell. For example, if you select the first cell in the column, the shortcut will select all the cells that are two rows away.

Q6: Is there a way to select every third cell in a range?

A6: Yes, it is possible to select every third cell in a range when using the “Alt + ;” shortcut. To do this, you will need to select the first cell in the range and then press and hold the “Shift” key while pressing the “Left Arrow” or “Right Arrow” key three times. This will select all the cells in the range that are in the same column or row as the first cell and are three cells away.

Learn Excel – Select Every Other Cell – Podcast 2108

Selecting every other cell in Excel can be a tedious task, especially when dealing with large data sets. However, with the help of a few simple tricks, you can make this task much easier. Using the built-in tools or some creative combinations of formulas and functions, you can quickly select every other cell in Excel with minimal effort. With these tips, you can quickly and easily select every other cell in Excel, making your data analysis easier and more efficient.