Click a cell to make it active (Figure 9.6).

Figure 9.6. The current (or active) cell is surrounded by a thick, gray border. Its column and row heading are highlighted.

In the cell or the Formula Bar, type the text, number, date, or formula (Figure 9.7).

Figure 9.7. You can type directly into the active cell or into the text box on the Formula Bar.

As explained in Chapter 11, formulas must begin with an equal sign (=).

Do one of the following:

• Complete the entry by pressing a navigation key, such as or to move down or to move right.
  
  
• To complete the entry without changing the active cell, click the Enter icon on the Formula Bar.
  
  

Excel evaluates the cell contents and then formats it appropriately.