I have a list of items preceded by numbers on M.S.Excel sheet. How can I delete the numbers only fm the list?

Answer 1

If the numbers that you want to delete and the data that you want to keep are in separate columns, then the solution above (select column A and hit delete or backspace) will work. If, however, the numbers to delete and data to keep are in the same column, that solution will not work.

You can try any of the following, all are pretty easy.

1. If you have no other numbers in the data that you want to keep, you can do a replace all for each of the digits from 0 to 9. This can be done by selecting "Edit" --> "Replace" from the menu bar.
In the Find and Replace window that appears, type "1" in the "Find what" box, and leave the "Replace with" box empty. Hitting Replace or Replace All will delete all instances of the "1" character. Repeat for each digit.

2. Depending on the exact format of the data, you might also be able to use the "Data" --> "Text to columns" function that Excel provides. This is a means for you to take the data in one column and parse it into multiple columns.
Not knowing the exact format of your data, though, I cannot provide an exact answer. But, if you experiment with the function, you should be able to figure it out.
One key is to play with the "Delimited" or "Fixed width" option on the first page of the Convert Text to Columns Wizard.
For example, if the first two characters of the cell are always a number, then "Fixed width" will work; if the numbers are always separated by a space, then the "Delimited" option will likely be the best one to choose.
There may be some trial and error, but if the data is in a very consistent format, this may be the best and easiest way.

3. There are many functions that may help, too, but without knowing the EXACT format, I cannot offer an exact solution. Try Excel's help on the following functions, if you cannot use either of the first two options I have proposed:
LEFT
RIGHT
TRIM
MID

Any of the above may result in separate columns containing numbers and text. You can then select the entire column of numbers in order to delete it.

Answer 2

Click on the letter at the top of the column *(A, B, C...) that will highlight the column. Either touch "delete" or "backspace" and all of the data in the column will be erased.