How to Print Specific Cells in Excel
Printing specific cells in Excel might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty simple. All you need to do is select the cells you want to print, set the print area, and then hit the print button. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you can easily print just the cells you need without any fuss.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Print Specific Cells in Excel
In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to print only the specific cells you need from your Excel worksheet. This method saves paper and ensures you only get the information you want.
Step 1: Open Your Excel Workbook
First, open the Excel workbook that contains the cells you want to print.
Ensure that the workbook is open and you can see the cells you want to print. If the workbook isn’t already on your computer, you need to download or open it from your cloud storage.
Step 2: Select the Cells
Next, highlight the specific cells you want to print by clicking and dragging your mouse over them.
Once the desired cells are highlighted, they will appear shaded, indicating that they are selected. This visual cue confirms that your selection is correct.
Step 3: Set the Print Area
Go to the "Page Layout" tab on the Ribbon, and select "Print Area," then click "Set Print Area."
This step confines the print job to the selected cells. Setting the print area ensures that only the cells you’ve highlighted will be printed, making it an efficient way to get exactly what you need.
Step 4: Preview the Print Area
Click the "File" tab, then select "Print" to preview the print area.
Previewing is crucial. It allows you to see how the selected cells will look on paper. If anything seems off, you can go back and adjust your selection.
Step 5: Print the Selected Cells
Finally, click the "Print" button to print the selected cells.
After clicking Print, your printer will start printing the selected cells. Make sure your printer is on and loaded with paper before you begin this step.
After completing these steps, your printer will only print the specific cells you selected in Excel. This process saves time and paper, and ensures you only get the information you need.
Tips for How to Print Specific Cells in Excel
- Always double-check your selected cells before setting the print area to avoid printing errors.
- Use the print preview feature to confirm the layout before printing.
- If you frequently print the same cells, save the workbook with the print area set for future use.
- Consider adjusting the page layout settings (margins, orientation, and scaling) for an optimized printout.
- Use the "Fit Sheet on One Page" option if your selected cells are large and don’t fit on one page.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Print Specific Cells in Excel
Can I print multiple non-adjacent cells?
Yes, you can. Hold down the Ctrl key while selecting the cells, then set the print area.
How do I clear the print area after printing?
Go to the "Page Layout" tab, click on "Print Area," and then select "Clear Print Area."
Can I print specific cells in Excel Online?
Currently, Excel Online does not support setting a print area. You need to use the desktop version of Excel.
What if my selected cells don’t look right on the print preview?
Go back and adjust your cell selection or page layout settings before printing.
How do I fit my selected cells to one page?
In the "Print" setup, choose the "Fit Sheet on One Page" option under scaling.
Summary
- Open your Excel workbook.
- Select the cells.
- Set the print area.
- Preview the print area.
- Print the selected cells.
Conclusion
Printing specific cells in Excel doesn’t have to be a headache. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that only the data you need makes it to paper. This method not only saves time but also helps reduce paper waste—an important consideration in today’s environmentally conscious world.
Keep in mind the tips provided to fine-tune your printouts and make the process even smoother. Whether you’re working on a school project, a business report, or just trying to print your shopping list, mastering this skill will undoubtedly come in handy.
If you find yourself frequently needing to print specific cells, consider creating templates with pre-set print areas. This will streamline your workflow even further, allowing you to focus on the more important aspects of your work. So go ahead, give it a try, and make your Excel experience more efficient!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.