Notebook Cells | Jupyter Notebook Tutorial (2026) | Step-by-Step Guide

Notebook Cells | Jupyter Notebook Tutorial (2026) | Step-by-Step Guide

Below is a step-by-step guide on Notebook Cells in Jupyter Notebook:

1. What is a Notebook Cell?

A Jupyter Notebook cell is a single block inside a notebook where you can:

• Write code
• Add explanatory text
• Display output

Each code cell can be executed independently.

2. Cell Options

A notebook cell provides the following options:

• Add a new cell above (A)
• Add a new cell below (B)
• Move the cell above (Ctrl + Shift + ↑)
• Move the cell below (Ctrl + Shift + ↓)
• Duplicate the cell
• Delete the cell (D, D)

Note: Click a cell and press Esc to enter Command Mode before using these keyboard shortcuts.

3. Cell Types

📌 Code Cell

A Code Cell is used to write and execute Python code.

• Executed using the Jupyter kernel.
• Displays the output after execution.

Example:

print("Hello World")

Run using: Shift + Enter

---

📌 Markdown Cell

A Markdown Cell is used for documentation and formatted text.

• Renders text into formatted content.
• Does not execute code.
• Used for notes, headings, lists, equations, and hyperlinks.

Example:

# Markdown Cell
* This is a ***markdown*** cell.
* Below is Reference Guide:
[Markdown Reference](https://commonmark.org/help/)
***

---

📌 Raw Cell

A Raw Cell stores plain text exactly as written.

• No code execution.
• No Markdown rendering.

Example:

This is a raw cell.

4. Switching Cell Types

To change the type of a notebook cell:

1. Click the cell.
2. Press Esc to enter Command Mode.
3. Press one of the following shortcut keys:

• Y → Code Cell
• M → Markdown Cell
• R → Raw Cell

Alternatively, use the Cell Type dropdown menu available in the toolbar at the top of the notebook.