Can I Lock a Cell or Entire Column in Numbers?

Hi to all. Quick question regarding locking either individual cells or an entire column in Numbers ... with the question being rather self explanatory haha. Can I? I am well aware that the entire sheet can be locked, but I still need to enter data and want to avoid accidentally entering data into a cell that contains a formula.


Before I go ahead and make this a feature request, I thought I'd ask the community first. Thanks in advance!

Mac mini

Posted on Oct 5, 2025 12:23 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 5, 2025 2:40 AM

Hi iAye,


No. But you can have an unlocked table for data entry, and a locked table with formulas that refer to the data entry table and calculate results.


Please reply with an example of your overall aim.


Regards,

Ian.

3 replies

Oct 10, 2025 12:57 AM in response to iAye

Hi iAye,


Yes you can edit the table that is not locked.

Here is an example:


Formula in the Result table (not yet locked) is Sum(Data2:2)

Fill down.


Now lock the Result table:


The x marks on the corners show that the table is locked.

The Data table is not locked and you can edit that table. The Result table (even though it is locked) will recalculate from the new values in the Data table.


Regards,

Ian.


Can I Lock a Cell or Entire Column in Numbers?

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