Not sure how to explain....

[Tricia LeAnn]

Ok.. I don't know how to explain what I'm asking, so I'll just give an example.

I have to enter in A TON of data containing both letters and numbers. All of
them start with 350TT.... and then it end up looking something like this:
350TT-D-1-1/2"-2"

I would like to be able to start each line with 350TT and not have to
re-type it... So I guess what I'm asking is... Is there a way to
automatically make each line start with that, and not automatically erase it
when I start putting in the numbers? In other words, I don't want to have to
go back and forth between letters and numbers. It would be easier to do
separately.

Does that make any sense? If so, please help. Thanks!

 

[John Moore]

Hi, I think your looking for an easy LEFT ,,, just enter =LEFT(A1,5) ,,
assuming A1 is where your data starts, and copy the formula down to the end
of your data.

 

[Tricia LeAnn]

I tried that.... And either I did it wrong, or that's not what I'm looking
for.
Here's a better example:
350TT-1-1/12
350TT-1-3/4
350TT-1-1/16
350TT-1-1/2
350TT-1-1/8

I want to be able to start every line with 350TT- and not have to retype it
each time. I would rather just do that part seperately. That way I can use
the number pad, and it would take a lot less time than having to go back and
forth between the number pad and letters on the keyboard. Does that make more
sense?

 

[John Moore]

You could start with what I suggest below ,, then in a cell to the right type
in your numbers, then use CONCATENATE function to combine them in the next
cell to the right

 

[Brad]

What I would do if I had to do this.
type in 1-1/2 in one cell
then 1-1/8 in the next cell
..
..
..

When all values are typed in
in the cell just to the right (or left)
="350TT-D-"&A4
and copy this equation down.

Does this help??

 

[Tricia LeAnn]

Not really... I just comletely don't understand. Sorry. I'm blonde.

 

[Bob I]

For you maybe easier to put the 350TT- in the first cell and copy that
down in all the cells, then add the rest after that.

 

[Tricia LeAnn]

Are you calling me stupid Bob? I think that's what you're getting at..

 

[Bob I]

No, you say that you just completely don't understand concatenation of
cells. So I just suggest a different way.

 

[Brad]

In cell a1 - type in 350TT-D-
in cell b1 - type in 1-1/8 (or whatever)
in cell c1 - type in =a1&sb1

type in column b the information you want
copy the cell a1 - down to the same row that b1 ended with
copy the cell c1 - down to the same row that b1 ended with

Does this help?

 

[Pete_UK]

One way would be to set up Tools | Autocorrect to change some
character (like #) to 350TT-1- and then all you need to do is type
#1/12 and it will be converted into 350TT-1-1/12 automatically.

Remember to delete that autocorrect setting once you're done.

Hope this helps.

Pete

 

[Annie1904]

Tricia LeAnn - Believe me, these guys have it right!
Concatenation (joining the contents of two, or more, cells together) is the
way to go. Type the constant information in the first column (350TT) and
drag it down to the bottom of your list, and then type the variable
information in the next column Now join them together (concatenation) in a
third column. You can hide the first two columns if you want to publish the
sheet, or put them elsewhere in your workbook. I use this formula all the
time for a task similar to yours and I bless the day I disocvered it! Good
luck!