[Solved:] Excel Double Click AutoFill Not Working

If you are looking for the solution to Excel double click AutoFill not working, then you are in the right place. One of the very basic features of Excel is AutoFill. While using Excel, for any kind of calculations or data analysis AutoFill is a must. In this article, we’ll try to discuss Excel double click AutoFill not working.


Reasons for Double Click AutoFill Not Working

AutoFill works by double clicking the right-bottom corner of the reference cell. It fills the other empty cells according to the calculation or change that has been made in the reference cell. But sometimes double-clicking the reference cell doesn’t activate AutoFill. There may be various reasons for this problem. Those are.

  • If the Excel file has a hidden or distant column from the columns filled with data
  • If the AutoFill feature is not activated
  • In the case of formulas, when the Automatic calculation is turned off.

Possible Solutions When Double Click AutoFill Is Not Working in Excel

To show the solutions to the problem of AutoFill when double clicked, we have made a dataset named Dataset of Sales. It has column headers as Branch Number, Product A Sale, Product B Sale, Product C Sale, and Total Sale. The dataset is like this.

excel double click autofill not working

Read More: [Fixed!] AutoFill Formula Is Not Working in Excel Table


1. When Excel File Has Hidden or Distant Column

One of the main problems we face while using AutoFill by double clicking the right-bottom corner of a cell is when we separate the AutoFill column or hide it from the main continuous dataset, which we have used to get the output in that column.
Suppose, in the following figure, we need to find out Total Sale in Column G. We need to find it by multiplication of Columns C, D, and E. Here, we have used multiplication for a specific type of data analysis, otherwise we might use addition for simple Total Sale.

  • The formula in the G5 cell is like this.
=C5*D5*E5

When Excel File Has Hidden or Distant Column

  • Secondly, we need to double-click the right-bottom corner of the G5 cell to AutoFill the other cells in Column G.

excel double click autofill not working

But, unfortunately, it is not working.
The problem is that there is a hidden column which is Column F between Column E and Column G. And we are trying to calculate and get all the outputs by using AutoFill in Column G which has discontinuity with the continuous dataset. The AutoFill column must be continuous with the dataset to work properly.

The solution for this is, that if we calculate in Column F instead of Column G, we will have a continuous dataset and this time the AutoFill Shortcut feature will work properly.
So, double-clicking the right-bottom corner of the F5 cell will give the output now.

Eventually, the output will be like this.

excel double click autofill not working

Read More: AutoFill Cell Based on Another Cell in Excel


2. Fill Handle Feature Is Not Enabled

We need to ensure first if the Fill Handle feature is enabled or not. Without enabling the Fill Handle feature the AutoFill will not work while double-clicking.

  • To enable it, first open the Excel file.
  • Secondly, go to File.

Fill Handle Feature Is Not Enabled

  • Thirdly, choose Options.

excel double click autofill not working

  • Eventually, an Excel Options window will appear.
  • Fourthly, go to Advanced > select the options which are shown in the picture.
  • Fifthly, click OK.

excel double click autofill not working

  • Now, by doing this, we have enabled the Fill Handle feature and the AutoFill feature will work by double-clicking

Read more: How to Turn Off AutoFill in Excel


3. When Automatic Calculation Is Turned Off

AutoFill feature will also not work in the case of calculation if we don’t turn on the Automatic Calculation option. Suppose, we have the following dataset where we need to find the Profit considering 30% of the Total Sale.
Firstly, we got the Profit in the G5 cell using the formula.

=F5*0.3

Here, F5 refers to Total Sale.

When Automatic Calculation Is Turned Off

Now, double-click the right-bottom corner of the G5 cell to AutoFill other cells.

Eventually, we’ll see that all the cells will have the same initial value.
This happens because we haven’t turned on the Automatic Calculation option.


To solve this, firstly, go to Formulas > select Calculation Options > choose Automatic.

excel double click autofill not working

Consequently, we have solved the problem and we’ll get the output like this.

Read more: How to AutoFill Sequential Letters in Excel


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Conclusion

That’s all about today’s session. And these are the ways that the solutions of Excel double click AutoFill do not work. We strongly believe this article would be highly beneficial for you.


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Shajratul Alam Towhid
Shajratul Alam Towhid

Md Shajratul Alam Towhid, a BSc graduate in Naval Architecture & Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, holds a pivotal role as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. Fueled by a deep passion for research and innovation, he actively engages with Excel. In his capacity, Towhid not only adeptly tackles complex challenges but also exhibits enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating tough situations, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to consistently delivering exceptional, high-quality content that... Read Full Bio

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