Copying a Multiple Selection in Excel

 Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
Article ID: Q71696
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SUMMARY

When you attempt to copy noncontiguous areas in Microsoft Excel, you get an error message that says "Cannot Do That Command on A Multiple Selection." However, Microsoft Excel versions later than 2.0 allow you to copy multiple selections if the selections are linear and no error message will result.

MORE INFORMATION

In Microsoft Excel versions later than 2.0, you are allowed to copy a multiple selection if the individual selections are aligned either vertically or horizontally and have the same number of rows and/or columns. For example, the multiple selection containing A1:A5, C1:D5, and F1:F5 is linear. The multiple selection A1:E1 and B3:F3 is not linear because this selection is not aligned either horizontally or vertically. A good rule of thumb to follow is to make sure that either the row numbers OR column numbers are identical in the individual selections.

REFERENCES

Online Help, "nonadjacent cells, selecting" "User's Guide 1," version 4.0, pages 95-98 "User's Guide," version 3.0, page 77-79

KBCategory: kbusage
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Additional reference words: 7.00 2.0 2.00 2.01 2.1 2.10 2.2 2.20 2.21 3.0
3.00 4.0 4.00 5.0 5.00 noncontiguous discontiguous

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Last reviewed: August 21, 1995
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