Excel: Paste Special Formulas Option Also Pastes Values

 Last reviewed: June 8, 1995
Article ID: Q25690

The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 5.0c
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 1.x, 2.2, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0a

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel, when you choose the Paste Special command from the Edit menu and select the Formulas option, the value that the formula returns is pasted as well as the formula itself. This behavior may be different from what you expect: other options in the Paste Special dialog box paste a single attribute of a cell (for example, the Formats option pastes only the format of the copied cell to the new location).

MORE INFORMATION

Using the Paste Special command allows you to paste individual attributes of a cell or a selection of cells. In contrast, the Paste command pastes the entire formula as well as its formatting to the new location.

The Formulas option pastes the information as it appears in the formula bar (as well as the value the formula returns). The Values option pastes only the values as they are displayed in the cell.

For more information about the Paste Special Command, choose the Search button in Microsoft Excel 5.0 Help, and type: 

   Paste Special

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Additional reference words: 1.00 1.03 1.04 1.06 1.50 2.20 3.00 4.00 5.00

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Last reviewed: June 8, 1995
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