Adnan Masruf
Inserting tabs is simple in word processing programs like Microsoft Word. Typically, five spaces equal one tab. The goal of tabs is to make a document easier to read. However, we cannot insert tabs into Excel cells, even though we might still want to give our data a tabbed appearance to make it easier to comprehend and more attractive with respect to visuals. So, with that in mind, in this article, we will discuss 4 easy ways to insert a tab in an Excel cell.
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4 Handy Methods to Insert Tab in Excel Cell
In this article, we will learn 4 effective ways to insert a tab in Excel cells. Firstly, we will add space manually. In the next method, we will apply the Increase Indent command to make the data look like they have tabs. Then, we will use the Alignment tab to do the job. Finally, we will use the CHAR function to insert a tab in an Excel cell. We will use the following dataset to illustrate the methods.
1. Adding Space Manually
Adding manual space is the easiest way to insert a tab in an Excel cell. This only requires the cursor to be placed in the correct position. Follow the ensuing steps to do the job.
Step 1:
- Firstly, double-click on the B5 cell.
- Then, take the cursor to the leftmost side of the cell.
- Finally, press the space button multiple times according to the space you need.
- In our case, we will press it ten times in a row.
Step 2:
- Consequently, the tab is inserted in front of the value in the cell.
Step 3:
- Finally, do this for the rest of the cells.
Read More: How to Tab to Certain Cells in Excel (2 Easy Ways)
2. Applying Increase Indent Command
In this method, we will use the Increase Indent command to insert a tab in an Excel cell. This command increases the indentation before the text or cell values. Follow the subsequent steps to do that.
Step 1:
- Firstly, select the cell you want to indent.
- Then, go to the Home tab in the ribbon.
- From there, hoover down to the Alignment group.
- Finally, click on the Increase Indent command several times.
Step 2:
- Consequently, you will find your data tabbed.
Step 3:
- Finally, repeat the process for the rest of the dataset.
Read More: How to Indent Bullet Points of a Cell in Excel (3 Effective Ways)
3. Using Alignment Tab
In this instance, we will use the Alignment tab to insert a tab in an Excel cell. The Alignment tab gives the user the option to indent the text by a range of degrees. Follow the steps below to do that.
Step 1:
- To begin with, select the cells in the dataset.
- In our case, we will select the cells in the range (C5:C9).
- Then, opt for the Home tab in the ribbon.
- Then, go to the Alignment group.
- Finally, select the tiny outward arrow to the bottom right of the Alignment group.
- Consequently, the Alignment tab of the Format Cells dialogue box will be on the screen.
Step 2:
- In the Alignment tab, firstly, under the Horizontal option, make the text alignment Left(Indent).
- Then, under the Indent option select any suitable number by which you want to indent your text.
- In this case, we opted for 5.
- Finally, click OK.
Step 3:
- Consequently, our data will have a tab before them.
4. Applying CHAR Function
In this final method, we will resort to the CHAR function to tab in an Excel cell. The CHAR function returns the character that is specified in his argument in integer from. We will also use the REPT function along with the CHAR function in the formula. The REPT function repeats a text a given number of times.
Step 1:
- Firstly, select the B4 cell.
- Then, write down the following formula,
="Top 4 Products:" & CHAR(10) & REPT(" ",5 )& "Smart Phone" & CHAR(10) & REPT(" ", 5) & "Laptop" & CHAR(10) & REPT(" ", 5) &"Smart Watch" & CHAR(10) & REPT(" ",5)&"Head Phone" & CHAR(10) & REPT(" ",5)- Finally, hit Enter.
Step 2:
- Then, go to the Home tab.
- From the Alignment group, select the Wrap Text command.
Step 3:
- Consequently, you will insert a tab before your data.
🔎 Formula Break Down
- “Top 4 Products:” & CHAR(10) & REPT(” “,5 ): This is a repetitive formula. We will see this same connotation throughout the entire formula, which seems very long. The “Top 4 Products:” is the text that is added to the CHAR(10) function with the ampersand operator. CHAR(10) means “newline”. That means the cursor will go to a new line after the text. Finally, we concatenated the REPT(“ “, 5) notation with the CHAR(10) The REPT(“ “, 5) means the REPT or repeat function will repeat the space 5 times. That means the new line will have 5 spaces before the next text begins. These five spaces are equivalent to a tab in word documents.
Read More: Find and Replace Tab Character in Excel (2 Suitable Ways)
Conclusion
In this article, we have talked about four easy ways to insert a tab in an Excel cell. These will allow Excel users to make their text more discernible and attractive.
