Preventing formulas being pasted over while editing

[pollyanna]

I am a semi experienced excel user however I find when entering data for
monthly reports, I seem to be deleting formulas when editing data and
therefore my spreadsheets don't calculate correctly. I have heard there is a
button that I can turn on and off when editing worksheets that will protect
my formulas. Where is that device and or how do I enter data so that I won't
lose my formulas? Thanks

 

[Max]

Presume you're talking about accidental overwrite of formula cells with
manual inputs ? (A cell can only hold either a value or a formula at any one
time)

To minimize accidental overwrites of formula cells, we can apply sheet
protection with data cells unlocked to allow inputs

Try this:

Select* the data input cells, say, select B2:B10
Click Format > Cells > Protection tab > Uncheck "Locked" > OK
Then click Tools > Protection > Protect Sheet > Enter password (optional) >
OK

*We can multi-select data cells by holding down the CTRL key while
selecting, and unlock all at one go

 

[David McRitchie]

In addition to turning on protection and for use when you have it
turned off you could also color code input cells and calculated cells.
Color Coding Cells for Usage (#colorcoding)
http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/colors.htm#colorcoding

Basically my suggestion is:
white or pale color background for input areas
formula results with another text and/or background color

Conditional Formatting may add additional color to your mix.