How to Copy Above Cell in Excel (3 Easy Ways)

In this article, we will learn to copy the above cell in Excel. Sometimes, users need to copy the value of the above cell to fill a cell in Excel. For example, when you are working with a large dataset, you may need to copy the group, department, or month name from the above cell. Today, we will show 3 easy methods. Using these methods, one can easily copy the above cell in Excel. So, without further delay, let’s start the discussion.

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3 Easy Ways to Copy Above Cell in Excel

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Copy Above Cell in Excel

2. Copy Above Cell with Go To Special Feature

3. Apply VBA to Copy Above Cell in Excel

How to Copy Cell Formatting in Excel

Conclusion

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You can download the practice workbook from here.

Copy Above Cell.xlsm

3 Easy Ways to Copy Above Cell in Excel

To explain the methods, we will use a dataset that contains the Department and Joining Months of some Employees. But some cells are empty. In those cells, we need to copy the above cell. So, we will use the methods to fill the Department and Joining Months for Sophie, Paul, and Alexa.

1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Copy Above Cell in Excel

In the first method, we will use keyboard shortcuts to copy the above cell in Excel. You can use this method when you have a small dataset and need to copy a few numbers of cells.

Let’s follow the steps below to see how we can use keyboard shortcuts to copy the above cell.

STEPS:

First of all, select Cell C6 to copy the value of Cell C5.

Now, press the Ctrl + Shift + " keys together on the keyboard.
Alternatively, you can also press the right Ctrl + D to copy the above cell.
As a result, you will see the result in Cell C6.

Finally, repeat the above steps to get the value in each empty cell.

2. Copy Above Cell with Go To Special Feature

If you have a large dataset and need to copy the above cell for many empty cells, then you can use the Go To Special feature in Excel. Let’s pay attention to the steps below to learn the whole method.

STEPS:

In the first method, select the range C5:D10.

Secondly, press Ctrl + G to open the Go To box.
Select Special from there.

After that, select Blanks from the Go To Special box.
Click OK to proceed.

As a result, Excel will select the blank cells.
Now, type the formula below in Cell C6:

=C5

In the following step, press Ctrl + Enter to get values in all cells like the picture below.

After completing the above steps, the empty cells will contain formulas.
That is why we need to change them to values.
For that purpose, select the range C5:D10 and press Ctrl + C to copy them.

Finally, select Cell C5.
Now, click on the Paste option in the Home tab. A drop-down menu will appear.
Select Paste Values only from there.
As a result, the formulas will be removed and Excel will store the values only.

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3. Apply VBA to Copy Above Cell in Excel

In the last method, we will apply VBA to copy cells in Excel. This process is simple. You can copy multiple cells in this case. You just need to write a few lines of code. So, let’s follow the steps below to learn the way to apply VBA in Excel.

STEPS:

Firstly, select the range C5:D10.

Secondly, go to the Developer tab and select Visual Basic. It will open the Visual Basic window.

In the Visual Basic window, select Insert >> Module to open the Module window.

Now, copy the code below and paste it into the Module window:

Sub Copy_Cell_Above()
Dim i As Range
For Each i In Selection.Cells
    If i.Value = "" Then
        i.FillDown
    End If
Next i
End Sub

Press Ctrl + S to save the code.
Now, go to the Developer tab and select Macros to open the Macro box.

In the Macro window, select the desired code and Run it.

As a result, you will see the values in the empty cells.

How to Copy Cell Formatting in Excel

In this section, we will learn to copy cell formatting in Excel. To explain the procedure, we will use the dataset below. You can see Cell D5 is formatted. We will copy the cell formatting down using Format Painter in Excel.

So, let’s follow the steps below to learn the way to copy cell formatting in Excel.

STEPS:

First of all, select Cell D5.
Then, go to the Home tab and select Format Painter.

As a result, the cursor will change into a fat plus and brush sign like the picture below.

Now, place the cursor in the middle of Cell D5 and drag it down.

Finally, you will be able to copy cell formatting in Excel.

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Conclusion

In this article, we have demonstrated 3 easy ways to Copy the Above Cell in Excel. I hope this article will help you to perform your tasks efficiently. Furthermore, we have also added the practice book at the beginning of the article. To test your skills, you can download it to exercise. Also, you can visit the ExcelDemy website for more articles like this. Lastly, if you have any suggestions or queries, feel free to ask in the comment section below.