How To Make Autofill In Excel – Tech Tips Mastering AutoFill in Microsoft Excel Let Excel enter the data for you! By Daniel Davisrow
Autofill in Excel. Do you regularly enter repetitive data or formulas into your spreadsheets? You are not alone. The following tips show you how to use AutoComplete in Microsoft Excel to quickly enter repeating formulas such as lists and pro.
How To Make Autofill In Excel
Excel can automatically continue a range (list) of numbers, dates, or time periods based on a pattern you create. You can also set up custom lists and use autocomplete to automatically copy them to new worksheets.
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To request autofill, select the appropriate cells and drag the fill handle. The fill handle is located in the lower right corner of the selected cells. This appears as a small square in the outline around the selected cells.
You can drag the fill handle in any direction. Drag down a column to create a series down, or drag a column up to create a series up. Drag the row to change the range to the right (or left).
Excel is set to automatically fill patterns based on numbers, dates, times, or combinations of numbers and text.
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Excel can expand various numeric patterns. The most common number pattern is for counting (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.). However, if you enter a number (eg 1), select and drag it, and then release the fill handle, all cells will be filled with the number 1. To fix this problem, you need to give Excel a pattern. Copy Instead, type “1” in the first cell and “2” in the second cell. Select both cells; Then use the fill handle.
Excel can also automatically fill in numbers based on other patterns, such as odd or even numbers. Start by entering two or more numbers into your cells (eg “1” and “3”), select them and use the fill handle.
Excel can extend the date range. The most common date-based pattern is incrementing dates (1/1/2020, 1/2/2020, 1/3/2020, etc.). Unlike number patterns, when you enter a date and use the fill handle, Excel automatically increments the date in each autocomplete cell by one day, as shown in the figure below. Unlike the example number above, you don’t need to enter multiple dates to get started.
Use Excel Auto Fill For Formulas And More!
If you want to increment a different number by days, months, or years, start by entering the first two dates in your cells. Then select those cells and use the fill handle. Complete dates are not required for autofill. Excel can also span a range by month, day of the week, quarter, or year.
Like dates, Excel can extend time ranges. To extend the time by one hour, you just need to enter the start hour. Select a cell and autofill from there. Anything more complicated than that requires entering the pattern into multiple cells first.
You can also create your own autocomplete lists. For example, if you’re always creating worksheets that list the lawyers in your department and you’re tired of entering them every time, you can let autocomplete do the work for you. Follow these steps to make this list a permanent selection and then place it in a new workbook.
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Sometimes you need to repeat a formula, such as a column total. In the first row, enter a formula to sum that row. Then repeat this formula in other rows.
You can use the AutoFill handle to copy formulas from one cell to another, just like you would when building a list. The formula automatically adjusts cell references when filled.
In this new series of tips, Affinity Consulting Group experts provide direct answers to common questions about popular software programs used by law firms. These tips are from his book, Microsoft Excel for Legal Professionals. Written specifically for lawyers and legal professionals, it’s easy to read, full of step-by-step and screen illustrations. Download your copy of the book at the Attorney at Work bookstore or choose a license for all your attorneys.
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Daniel Davisrow is a senior consultant at Affinity Consulting Group (@affinitylegal). Whether it’s teaching clients new skills through training, speaking at CLE events, or providing management consulting, Daniel is 100% focused on making his clients’ lives better. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and a J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
We use cookies on our website to provide you with the most relevant experience, remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the use of all cookies. Agree to Privacy Policy If you use Apple’s Numbers in the Spreadsheet app, you’re already familiar with the AutoFill feature. This handy tool allows you to quickly fill other cells with data from adjacent cells. You can fill things like patterns, words, and numbers from the top, bottom, left, or right. But when it comes to filling it out and you have hundreds or thousands of rows, it can be difficult.
This tutorial will show you two ways to fill both small and large spreadsheets with the Mac’s Number AutoFill feature.
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If you have a small spreadsheet, the autocomplete drag and drop method is a quick and easy way.
2) When you see a small yellow circle on the bottom border of the cell, click the button. This will highlight that entire cell or group of cells in yellow.
3) Using your mouse or touchpad, drag down the cell you want to fill and when you want to stop.
How To Make A Spreadsheet In Excel, Word, And Google Sheets
Note that you can use this if you want to create a pattern. For example, you might have a cell with the word January. Follow the above steps and after that you can recharge every month. The same goes for numbers or letters.
If you have a very large spreadsheet, the drag-and-drop method can be very tedious and not error-free. Try the method below instead.
This will fill all rows to the end of the spreadsheet. And again, you can use it for patterns, formulas, words, or anything else you need to type.
How To Use Autofill Function In Excel
If you want to populate columns instead, whether for a small or large spreadsheet, both of the above methods will work.
If you use the drag and drop method, simply select your cells and drag to the right or left as needed.
If you have a large page and want to fill without stretching, follow the steps above and choose Table > AutoFill Cells > AutoFill Right (or AutoFill Left) from the menu bar.
What Is Autofill In Excel?
The auto number fill function is a very handy feature that allows you to quickly fill in your cells and reduces the chance of data errors. This is especially handy when you’re working with formulas and functions that you need to copy throughout the spreadsheet.
Are there any features in Numbers that you’re having trouble using, or just need some tips on how to use them better? Let us know!