We often need to put the month name in our worksheet in Excel. In the case of small datasets, it is possible to input the names of the months manually. But for a big dataset, it is difficult. For this purpose, we will use Excel AutoFill to fill Month automatically. AutoFill feature saves time and makes it easier. Today, we will learn how we can get the maximum output from Excel AutoFill in making a list of months.
What is AutoFill?
Excel has an option that can help us to enter data automatically. It can predict any series or sequence. It is called the AutoFill. So, it is one of the most powerful features of Excel that can save time and energy.
When we work in Excel, the active cell has a small square at the bottom right corner. It is called the Fill Handle.
If we place the cursor on the small square, it changes into a plus sign. We can simply drag it or double-click on it to activate the AutoFill option.
If you press the left button of your mouse while dragging, the default settings will be applied. Instead, you can select the right button and choose your desired setting from the drop-down menu.
Read More: Applications of Excel Fill Series
1. Using AutoFill Feature to Create Month Names Sequentially
The AutoFill feature helps us to enter month names sequentially. It is a very easy and quick method. To explain this method, we will use a dataset that will contain Order ID, Product Name & Month as columns. We will try to enter the Month’s name here.
Follow the steps to know more.
STEPS:
- Firstly, select Cell D5 and type the name of the month you want to start with. Here, we have put January.
- Secondly, select the Fill Handle and drag it down.
- Finally, you will see the Month’s name sequentially.
- Besides, you can use the right button of your mouse while dragging and then select Fill Months from the drop-down menu.
Read More: How to Add Sequence Number by Group in ExcelÂ
2. Applying AutoFill Feature for Non-Sequential Month Names Creation
We can also enter non-sequential months with the help of AutoFill. We need to set a pattern first for this purpose. Here we will use the same dataset as the previous method.
Follow the steps below.
STEPS:
- In the beginning, select Cell D5 and type January.
- Next, select Cell D6 and type March.
Here, we want to follow the January, March, May…. pattern.
- Now, select Cell D5 and Cell D6 and use the Fill Handle for the below cells.
- At this time, the rest of the cells will follow the pattern.
Read More: How to Increment Month by 1 in Excel
3. Using Ribbon to AutoFill Months in Excel
There is another way to fill our dataset automatically. For this method, we need to take help from the ribbon. In this method, we will change the month of a date keeping the rest as it is. So, we will use a Date Column instead of a Month Column here.
Pay attention to the steps below for this procedure.
STEPS:
- Select Cell D5 at first and type a date.
- Now, select the range of cells where you want to enter values.
- Next, go to the Fill option in the Home tab from the ribbon.
- After that, a drop-down menu will occur, and select Series from that.
- Following, a Series window will open. Select Month from the Date unit and press OK. You can change also change the Step value.
- Finally, you will see the result in the empty cells below.
Alternatively, you can also use the right button of the mouse to open the Series window. This process has been shown at the beginning.
Read More: How to Create Automatic Rolling Months in Excel
4. Extracting Month from Date Using Functions & AutoFill
We can extract the month name from any given date and use the AutoFill feature for the rest of the cells. This is an effective method when you have a large dataset. We will use the previous dataset here and add a Month Column.
Observe the steps below for this method.
STEPS:
- Firstly, copy the values of Column D and paste them into Column E.
- Next, go to the Date option in the Home tab and select the drop-down menu icon.
- After that, select More Number Formats.
- Following, a Format Cells window will open. Go to custom and type ‘mmmm’. This ‘mmmm’ command will display the name of the month in long form. You can type ‘mmm’ for short form.
- Lastly, select OK and you will see the results below.
Read More: How to Autofill Dates in Excel Without Dragging
5. Removing Month Containing Cells with AutoFill in Excel
We have already discussed various methods of entering the month in our datasheet. Here, we will show how we can remove month-containing cells. We will use the dataset of Method-1 here.
Follow the steps below to learn this method.
STEPS:
- First, select the cell you want to remove. Here we have selected Cell D6.
- Now, press Shift and use the Fill Handle to drag up the cell. The cell will be removed automatically.
Download Practice Workbook
Download the Practice Book.
Conclusion
AutoFill is a great feature of Excel that helps us in many ways. We showed 5 easy methods to fill the cells with month names. You can also use these methods for other purposes. Hope these methods will help you to find solutions to your problem. Last of all, if you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to comment below.
