Forum Discussion
difference between copy and cut in excel
Thanks much, I got the answer. I was wondered because when I cut a float number (not a function) from a cell to a new cell, the pasted number should be still a float number, and a function should have a result. As an example: if I cut a float number from C1 and paste that on A1 cell, a function of A1+B1 should give a number. If I understand correctly, A1 cell is still A1 cell, just value changed to C1 value with other attributes. So, If C1 is a float number, now A1 should be a float number too. as a result, A1+B1 function suppose to give a number.
jabed I guess you didn't understand SergeiBaklan 's very clear explanation of the issue. Imagine that "cut and paste" tells Excel to first "delete" the target cell and immediately "insert" a new one in its place with the new value. The initial deletion of the old A1, breaks all formulae that refer to it and will produce the #REF! error. Their relationship with the old A1 is lost forever. After pasting there will be a new A1.
"Old A1" is not the same as "New A1". Hence, all formulae that pointed to old A1 remain broken.
"Copy and paste", on the other hand, just "opens the door" to A1, kicks-out the old value and puts in the new one. A1 is still the same cell as before, but just with another content. All formulae that refer to A1 remain intact.