Go To Special Excel

What is the Go To Special Excel?

The Go To Special feature in Excel is a powerful tool that allows users to quickly select and manipulate specific types of data within a worksheet. With this feature, professionals can efficiently handle tasks such as finding and replacing values, formatting cells, selecting only visible cells, or even deleting blank or error-filled cells.

The versatility of the Go To Special command enables swift analysis and management of complex datasets by pinpointing specific elements for modification or further analysis. Professionals can also utilize this tool to identify and highlight formulas, comments, conditional formats, or objects in a spreadsheet.

The subsequent example showcases a proficient method for identifying and choosing the last cell by utilizing the Go to Special feature in Excel. Commence by selecting the desired cells and accessing the Find & Select option situated in the Editing group. Opt for the Go to Special option from the drop-down menu. Within the Go To Special Excel window, choose the Last Cell radio button and click OK.

Go To Special Excel
Go To Special Excel -Last Cell

The cells exhibiting the Last cell will now be automatically highlighted and selected.

Go To Special Excel Output
Key Takeaways
  • The Go To Special function enhances productivity and accuracy while minimizing errors. It proves invaluable to professionals seeking to optimize their efficiency when dealing with large quantities of data in Excel.
  • There are three methods to access the Go To feature:
    • Press the F5 key.
    • Press Ctrl + G.
    • Navigate to the “Go To” option under the “Find and Select” section on the Home ribbon.
  • The “Go To Special” function in Excel is a powerful tool that enables you to select cells based on specific criteria efficiently. These criteria include cells containing:
    • Formulas (numbers, text, logical, errors)
    • Constants (numbers, text, logical, errors)
    • Blank cells
    • Objects
    • Precedents and dependents

How To Use Go To Special Excel?

To utilize the Go To Special feature in Excel,

Step 1: Start by opening your spreadsheet and selecting the range where you want to perform a specific action.

Step 2: Next, click on the “Home” tab, locate the “Editing” group, and choose “Find & Select.” From there, select “Go To Special” Excel.

Step 3: A dialog box will appear offering various options, such as cells with constants, formulas, comments, or conditional formats. Depending on your requirements, select the desired option and proceed accordingly.

Examples

Example #1 – Find and select the row and column differences

Following is the example of finding and selecting rows and columns using the Go to special feature in Excel.

Step 1: Select the cells and click the ‘Find & Select’ option from the Editing group.

Example 1 - Step 1 - Find & Select

Step 2: Select the ‘Go to Special’ option from the drop-down list.

Example 1 - Step 2 - Go to Special

Step 3: Select the ‘Row differences’ radio button on the ‘Go To Special’ Excel window, then click OK.

Example 1 - Step 3 - Row Differences

Step 4: The ‘Row differences’ cells are selected.

Example 1 - Step 4 - Row Differences

Step 5: Select the Column differences radio button on the Go To Special window, then click OK.

Example 1 - Step 5 - Column Differences

Step 6: The Column differences cells are selected.

Example 1 - Step 6 - Column Differences output

Example #2 – Find and select precedents and dependents

The following example demonstrates how to efficiently find and select precedents and dependents using the Go to Special feature in Excel.

Step 1: Begin by selecting the desired cells and accessing the Find & Select option located in the Editing group.

Go To Special Excel - Example 2 -Step 1

Step 2: From the drop-down list, choose the Go to Special Excel option.

Step 3: On the Go To Special window, select the Precedents radio button and then click OK.

Go To Special Excel - Example 2 -Step 3

Step 4: The cells with Precedents will now be automatically selected.

Go To Special Excel - Example 2 -Step 4

Step 5: Next, select the Dependents radio button on the Go To Special Excel window and click OK.

Go To Special Excel - Example 2 -Step 5 - Dependents

Step 6: The cells with Dependents will now be selected.

Go To Special Excel - Example 2 -Step 5 - Dependents Output

Example #3 – Find and select constants

Please find below an enhanced and refined version of the text. The subsequent example illustrates a proficient approach to locating and choosing constants by utilizing the Go to Special feature in Excel.

Step 1: Commence by selecting the desired cells and accessing the Find & Select option situated in the Editing group.

Step 2: Opt for the Go to Special option from the drop-down list.

Go To Special Excel - Example 3 -Step 2

Step 3: Within the Go To Special window, choose the Constants radio button and subsequently click OK.

Go To Special Excel - Example 3 -Step 3


Step 4: The cells exhibiting Constants will now be automatically highlighted and selected.

Go To Special Excel - Example 3 -Step 4

Example #4 – Find and select visible cells

The following example demonstrates an effective approach to locating and selecting Visible cells using the Go to Special feature in Excel.

Step 1: Begin by selecting the desired cells and accessing the Find & Select option located in the Editing group.

Step 2: Choose the Go to Special Excel option from the drop-down list.

Go To Special Excel - Example 4 -Step 2

Step 3: In the Go To Special window, select the Visible Cells radio button and click OK.

Go To Special Excel - Example 4 -Step 3

Step 4: The cells that display Visible cells will now be automatically highlighted and selected.

Go To Special Excel - Example 4 -Step 4

Important Things to Note

  • The Go To Special Excel feature in Excel enables efficient data analysis and management while saving considerable time and effort.
  • The Go To Special feature can ensure accurate data segmentation for enhanced decision-making processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are some common uses for the Go To Special feature in Excel?

The Go To Special feature in Excel is a powerful tool that professionals often utilize for several common purposes.
• One primary use involves selecting specific types of cells within a spreadsheet, such as blanks, constants, formulas, or even errors..
• Additionally, the Go To Special Excel tool can be employed to identify and manage conditional formatting rules applied to certain cells across the worksheet.
• Furthermore, Go To Special enables users to find and select cells containing comments or objects such as charts or pictures. Overall, this versatile tool streamlines data handling processes in Excel and enhances productivity by providing professionals with efficient means of managing various cell types and attributes within their spreadsheets.

2. Can I use the Go To Special feature to select non-contiguous cells?

No, the Go To Special feature in Excel cannot be used to select non-contiguous cells. This feature is primarily designed to quickly navigate and select specific types of cells, such as blanks, constants, formulas, or errors within a contiguous range. It cannot select multiple non-contiguous ranges.
While Go To Special may not offer this particular functionality, Excel provides various other techniques for the efficient selection and manipulation of data within spreadsheets.

3. Are there any limitations or restrictions when using the Go To Special feature in Excel?

It is important to note that there are some limitations and restrictions associated with the Go To Special feature.
• Firstly, Go To Special cannot be used on chart sheets or objects such as pictures or shapes. It is only applicable to cells within a worksheet.
• Additionally, this feature does not allow for complex searches or logical operators.
• Furthermore, Go To Special can only be used within the active sheet and cannot search across multiple sheets in one go.
• Lastly, this feature may also have limitations when working with protected worksheets where certain cells or ranges are locked for editing purposes.

Download Template

This article must help understand the Go To Special Excel examples. You can download the template here to use it instantly.

Guide to Go To Special Excel. Here we learn how to use Go To Special Excel with step by step examples and a downloadable template. You can learn more from the following articles –

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