Entering the same data multiple times is monotonous. It also consumes a lot of time. Excel offers smart features to autofill a column without retyping the same data. In this article, I’ll show you seven easy ways to autofill a column in Excel.
Let’s say, we have a dataset where multiple entries are missing. Now we will see how these empty cells can be filled up automatically.
How to Autofill a Column in Excel: 7 Easy Ways
1. Autofill a Column in Excel Using Fill Handle
Fill Handle allows you to fill up all the empty cells with the data of the first cell. First, put your cursor in the bottom right corner of the first cell. After that, the cursors will turn into a small plus sign.
Now press double left-click on your mouse. You will see all the cells in the column will be filled automatically.
2. Keyboard Command to Autofill a column
With a keyboard command, you can also use the Autofill feature to fill up a column. First, select the filled column and drag it to the end of your dataset.
After that, press CTRL+D and the column will be filled with the first cell’s data.
3. Autofill Non-Adjacent Cell
To Autofill non-adjacent cells, first press CTRL and select the cells.
Type the data you want to enter in your last selected cells.
At last, press CTRL+ ENTER. All the cells will be filled with the data you have entered in the last cell.
4. Autofill a Column with the Same Data
To Autofill a column with the same data, first, enter the data in the first cell.
After that, select the cell by keeping your mouse in the bottom right corner of the cell and drag the cell to the end of your dataset. You will see all the cells will be filled with the same data.
Read More: How to Fill Column in Excel with Same Value
5. Autofill a Column with a Series
You can also fill a column with a series using Autofill options. After filling the column with the same data by using the previously described method, click on the Auto Fill options which you will see at the end of your filled data. A dropdown menu will appear and select Fill Series from the dropdown menu.
The column will be auto-filled with the most appropriate series.
6. Autofill a Column in Excel using Flash Fill
Using Flash Fill is another technique to autofill a column. First, select the first cell which has the data by which you want to autofill the column.
Now go to Data > Data Tools and select Flash Fill.
You will see, that the column is filled automatically.
7. Autofill Column with Formula
You can also autofill a column with a formula. First, you need to create a formula. Then, Enter the formula in the first cell.
After pressing Enter, you will see the value that is found by applying the formula in that cell.
Now press the bottom right corner of the cell and drag it to the end of your dataset. All the cells will be auto-filled with the formula.
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Conclusion
Autofill features in Excel save a lot of time by automatically filling the column with relevant data. I hope after going through the article you now have a clear idea about the methods of auto filling columns in Excel. If you have any confusion, feel free to leave a comment.
Further Readings
- How to AutoFill Formula When Inserting Rows in Excel
- Excel Formulas to Fill Down Sequence Numbers Skip Hidden Rows
- How to Autofill Dates in ExcelÂ
- Filling a Certain Number of Rows in Excel Automatically
- How to Fill Down to Last Row with Data in Excel
- How to Auto Populate from Another Worksheet in Excel
