How to Enter Symbols in Excel

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for organizing data and creating charts, but it can be frustrating to use if you don't know how to enter symbols. Excel includes a wide range of symbols, from mathematical symbols to currency symbols, and learning how to use them can save you time and improve the accuracy of your spreadsheets. In this guide, we'll show you everything you need to know about entering symbols in Excel, including shortcuts, tips, and tricks.

What are Symbols in Excel?

Symbols in Excel are special characters that can be used to represent data, perform calculations, and format text. Some common types of symbols in Excel include:

• Mathematical symbols, such as +, -, /, *, and %

• Currency symbols, such as $, €, £, and ¥

• Date and time symbols, such as / and :

• Punctuation symbols, such as ., ,, ;, :, and ?

• Arrow symbols, such as →, ←, ↑, and ↓

• Special characters, such as ©, ®, ™, and µ

Knowing how to use symbols in Excel can make your spreadsheets more readable, organized, and professional-looking.

How to Enter Symbols in Excel

There are several ways to enter symbols in Excel, including:

1. Using the Insert Symbol Tool

The easiest way to enter symbols in Excel is to use the Insert Symbol tool. Here's how:

1. Click on the cell where you want to enter the symbol.
2. Click on the Insert tab in the Ribbon.
3. Click on the Symbol icon in the Symbols group.
4. Select the symbol you want to insert from the Symbol dialog box.
5. Click on the Insert button.
6. Close the Symbol dialog box.

2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Another way to enter symbols in Excel is to use keyboard shortcuts. Here are some common keyboard shortcuts for entering symbols:

• To enter a plus sign (+), press the plus key (+)

• To enter a minus sign (-), press the minus key (-)

• To enter a multiplication sign (), press the asterisk key ()

• To enter a division sign (/), press the forward slash key (/)

• To enter a percent sign (%), press the percent key (%)

• To enter a dollar sign ($), press the dollar sign key ($)

• To enter a euro sign (€), press Alt+0128

• To enter a pound sign (£), press Alt+0163

• To enter a yen sign (¥), press Alt+0165

You can find more keyboard shortcuts for symbols in Excel by searching online.

3. Using the CHAR Function

The CHAR function in Excel can be used to enter symbols by their ASCII codes. Here's how:

1. Click on the cell where you want to enter the symbol.
2. Type =CHAR(XXX) in the formula bar, where XXX is the ASCII code for the symbol you want to insert.
3. Press Enter.

For example, to enter a copyright symbol (©), you would type =CHAR(169).

4. Using the UNICODE Function

The UNICODE function in Excel can be used to enter symbols by their UNICODE codes. Here's how:

1. Click on the cell where you want to enter the symbol.
2. Type =UNICODE("XXX") in the formula bar, where XXX is the UNICODE code for the symbol you want to insert.
3. Press Enter.

For example, to enter a copyright symbol (©), you would type =UNICODE("00A9").

5. Copying and Pasting Symbols

If you have a symbol in another document or on a website, you can copy and paste it into Excel. Here's how:

1. Select the symbol you want to copy.
2. Press Ctrl+C to copy the symbol.
3. Click on the cell where you want to insert the symbol in Excel.
4. Press Ctrl+V to paste the symbol into Excel.

Tips and Tricks for Using Symbols in Excel

Here are some tips and tricks for using symbols in Excel:

• To quickly insert a symbol you've used before, click on the Recently used symbols drop-down menu in the Symbol dialog box.

• If you need to use a symbol frequently, consider creating a keyboard shortcut for it using the Customize Keyboard dialog box.

• To change the font size or color of a symbol, select the symbol and use the Font group in the Home tab of the Ribbon.

• You can use symbols in formulas in Excel. For example, you can use the multiplication symbol (*) in a formula to multiply two numbers together.

• To search for a specific symbol in the Symbol dialog box, type a keyword in the Search box and click on the Search button.

Conclusion

Entering symbols in Excel may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the accuracy and readability of your spreadsheets. By using the Insert Symbol tool, keyboard shortcuts, the CHAR function, and the UNICODE function, you can quickly and easily enter symbols in Excel. And with the tips and tricks we've provided, you can use symbols more efficiently and effectively in your spreadsheets. We hope this guide has been helpful in improving your Excel skills!

Tweet

Read More..