How To Use Fill Handle To Copy Formula In Excel

How to Use Fill Handle to Copy Formula in Excel

The fill handle in Excel, a versatile tool symbolized by a small black box or a plus sign (+), allows for efficient copying of formulas across cells. By clicking and dragging the fill handle located at the bottom right corner of each cell, users can replicate formulas, either horizontally or vertically. This process automatically adjusts relative references, making the replication process fast and accurate.

Steps to Copy a Formula

To copy a formula, simply use the fill handle by clicking and dragging it to cover the cells you wish to autofill. Double-clicking the fill handle can also be used to quickly fill formulas into adjacent cells that contain data. For absolute or mixed references, including dollar signs ($) in your formulas ensures that specific cells are referenced consistently as you drag the fill handle.

Enabling Fill Handle and Automatic Calculation

If the fill handle is not visible, enable it by checking the "Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop" box under Editing Options via File > Options. Additionally, ensure your workbook is set to recalculate automatically by choosing Automatic under Workbook Calculation in the same section. Without automatic calculation, formulas will not update upon being filled into new cells.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+D and Ctrl+R are useful shortcuts that fill formulas down and to the right, respectively, offering a fast alternative to dragging with the mouse.

Autofill Options

Modify your auto-fill behavior by selecting from different options provided by the Auto Fill Options button that appears after utilizing the fill handle. This feature allows further customization of how cells are filled based on the data entered.

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