Squaring Columns of Data Without References

**darkonearth** · 11-16-2009, 10:18 PM

Hello!

I've been trying to find a way to square (num^2) a column of data without using references. I have a column of entered data in Excel 2007 and I know that I can manually enter =(num)^2 (num being a real number) for each single cell but I would love to know how to just enter that formula and apply it to the whole column, or just a short cut if available. I've not found anything helpful in the paste special, it would be nice if they had had a "raise to power," and other modes have just copied the number along with the formula. Every number in the consecutive descension are different.

As it stands I have to enter the data, then in another column use the power formula and reference the former column. Annoying when you have to do this more than once. I also realize I could just grab a calculator and do the math before entering into the cells, but this would be a learning experience for me in knowing how to actually do these kinds of tweaks.

Thanks in advance!

I should also mention I'm a complete Excel noob.

**darkyam** · 11-16-2009, 10:34 PM

Copy the entire range, then select the upper left cell in your range--> right click--> paste special --> multiply--> OK.

**darkonearth** · 11-16-2009, 10:45 PM

Thanks for the reply, and it works great!

**teylyn** · 11-16-2009, 10:51 PM

darkyam's solution is very elegant, but given this:

I should also mention I'm a complete Excel noob.

and this:

how to just enter that formula and apply it to the whole column

maybe you don't know that you can also do the following:

With your numbers in column A, put this formula in B1 and copy down

=A1^2

in the next rows the formula will automatically adjust to

=A2^2
=A3^2

etc.

hth