How to make headings without using row number 1

[Leland]

Headings in a spreadsheet are usually necessary but why do the headings have to take up Row Number 1? Is there any way to have headings without taking up Row 1?

[rory]

Not sure what you mean - you can put headings anywhere you like.

[zeddy]

Hi

One way you can have 'headings' in row 1 without taking up row 1 is to use Data Validation.
For example, in cell [A1] select Data Validation, go to tab Input Message and enter your required heading, e.g. Name, in the the Input message box. Do the same for cell [B1] etc.
Now, when you select [a1] you will see your heading.
This can be copied down as required, so that whenever you are in a particular column, you will see your defined 'column heading'.

zeddy

[Leland]

Thanks Rory and Zeddy!

My question was for very simplistic reasons: When I have a list in a column, I want the numbered cell of the last item in the list to be the total. If I use cell number 1 as my heading, the last item is always 1 less than the total..... it just bugs me.

[RetiredGeek]

Leland,

How about using a split screen and just putting the headings in a high numbered row and displaying that row in the top split?
Split Screen.JPG

[Leland]

Thanks RG!
My lists are seldom more than a hundred or so and my vanity tells me it looks pretty cool too! I'll try both suggestions to see which I lean toward.
Leland

[zeddy]

Hi Leland

The attached file shows another suggestion.
On sheet1, you have your headings above numbered rows and below columns with letters.
On sheet2, you can have more than one row for your headings if required.
On sheet3, you see the normal excel layout.

OK, I cheated by making my own sheet row and column headers and turned Excel's off.
But if it does want you want then what the heck.
Wouldn't recommend doing this if you use formulas though, unless you love the R1C1 method.
Just shows there are always lots of different ways to do stuff in Excel.

zeddy

[moon1130]

Zeddy,

On your Sheet 1, how did you get the numbers 1, 2, 3, etc imposed over the original row numbers?

Thanks in advance for showing me how you did this.

[zeddy]

Hi

On a blank sheet, I changed the column width of col [A] to 4.
Then, on row3 cell [A3], I entered the number 1.
I then filled down for 100 rows to put my own numbers 1 to 100 (I could have entered more of course).
I then colour-coded these cells with a light grey, and 'centred' the cells.
I then made my own 'letter' column headings across row 1, shaded the cells etc.
I then turned OFF Excels own column headings using Tools>Options>View and unchecking the box for Row and Column headers.

Like I said, "I cheated by making my own sheet row and column headers and turned Excel's off."
OK, I was impressed myself. I thought it looked quite good.
And no need for split windows etc etc.

zeddy

[moon1130]

Thanks a lot, zeddy.

Moon