Protection

When designing a spreadsheet, it is important to differentiate between areas to enter data, and areas that are calculating values based on that data.

Think:  Inputs    /    Outputs

As a general rule, cells containing formulae should be protected, and coloured differently, so lets do that here.

We'll revert to the version containing the formulae.

Download starting Sheet

Steps:

1. Press CTRL + G
2. Type: F:H  
3. Press OK
4. Format the background colour in light grey ( Lesson 10 )
5. Press CTRL + G
6. Type: A:E  
7. Right click => format cells => protection
8. Make sure "Locked" is unchecked 
9. Select the "Review" menu on your ribbon
10. Click "Protect Sheet"
11. Don't enter a password
12. Press OK

Now, if you enter data in the data entry cells, it is fine, but if you try to type on a formula by mistake, it will not let you.

The protected sheet will look like this

To unprotect your sheet:

1. Select the "Review" menu on your ribbon
2. Click "Unprotect Sheet"

Next Lesson: Teach Yourself Excel Lesson 19 - Freeze Panes

Training Video on Protection in Excel: