How to Autofill in Excel

Autofill in Excel is a powerful feature that lets you quickly copy data, extend sequences (like numbers or dates), and apply formulas across rows or columns—all in just a few clicks.

Here’s how to use Autofill efficiently:

1. Use the Fill Handle

The Fill Handle is the small square in the bottom-right corner of a selected cell or range.

To use it:

1. Enter a value or formula in a cell
2. Hover your mouse over the bottom-right corner of the cell
3. When the cursor becomes a small black plus sign (+), click and drag in the direction you want (down, up, right, or left)
4. Release the mouse button

Excel will automatically copy the value, extend a pattern, or adjust formulas based on what’s in the first cell.

2. Autofill Numbers and Dates

Excel is smart enough to recognize patterns. Here’s what you can do:

For numbers:

• Enter 1 in A1
• Enter 2 in A2
• Select both A1 and A2
• Drag the Fill Handle down → Excel fills in 3, 4, 5, etc.

For dates:

• Type 01/01/2025 in a cell
• Drag down → Excel fills the next dates (by day)
• Use right-click + drag to choose options (e.g., fill weekdays, months, or years)

3. Autofill Formulas

If you enter a formula (e.g. =A1+B1) and drag the Fill Handle, Excel adjusts the cell references as it goes.

Example:

• =A1+B1 in row 1
• Autofill to row 2 becomes =A2+B2
• Autofill to row 3 becomes =A3+B3, and so on

This is called relative referencing.

4. Use the Fill Command (Alternative to Dragging)

You can also use the Ribbon:

1. Select the cell with data
2. Highlight the range where you want to copy
3. Go to Home > Fill
4. Choose Down, Right, Up, or Left

Useful for precise or large fills where dragging isn’t practical.

5. Custom Lists and Text Autofill

You can autofill things like:

• Days of the week (Mon, Tue…)
• Months (January, February…)
• Your own custom lists (e.g., departments or product names)

To create a custom list:

• Go to File > Options > Advanced
• Scroll down and click Edit Custom Lists

Tips

• Double-click the Fill Handle to autofill down as far as adjacent data in the left column
• Press Ctrl + D to fill down or Ctrl + R to fill right
• Use Alt + E, S, S to open the special fill menu in older Excel versions