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Perform math operations without formulas
Spreadsheets, by their nature, rely on formulas to manipulate numbers. But creating formulas isn't always the most efficient way to modify a range of values. For example, suppose that you have a worksheet containing a column of prices for various products, and you need to increase all prices by 5 percent.
Excel provides two ways to accomplish this. The "traditional" technique goes something like this: Insert or find a blank column near the prices. In that column's first cell, enter a formula to multiply the price in that row by 1.05. Copy the formula down the column. Then select and copy the entire column of formulas, select the original prices, and choose Edit, Paste Special. Select Values to overwrite the original prices with the formulas' results. And finally, delete the column of formulas.
The other, slightly more efficient approach also uses the Paste Special dialog box. To increase a range of values (prices, in our example) by 5 percent, enter 1.05 into any blank cell. Select the cell and choose Edit, Copy. Then select the range of values and choose Edit, Paste Special. Choose Multiply and click OK. Then delete the cell that contains the 1.05.
If you need to do this sort of thing frequently, you may want to download a copy of my Cell Math add-in (free).