Using the Fill Handle in Excel #
The Fill Handle, the small green square at the bottom-right corner of a selected cell, can save you time in various ways:
- Copying data
- Extending sequences
- Applying formulas across multiple cells
- Repeating a pattern of formatting
1. Extending Sequences
- Numeric sequences (e.g., 1, 2, 3): Select the cells containing the start of the sequence, then left-click and drag the Fill Handle to continue the pattern.
- Days of the week or months: Excel recognizes these patterns too. Select “Mon, Tue, Wed,” then left-click and drag to extend through the week.
2. Growth Sequences
For exponential patterns like 1, 2, 4, 8, 16:
- Right-click and drag the Fill Handle.
- Release and select Growth Trend from the menu to continue the pattern.
3. Copying a Sequence or Cell
To duplicate existing entries exactly:
- Right-click and drag the Fill Handle.
- Release, then choose Copy Cells.
4. Applying Formulas Across Multiple Cells
You can use the Fill Handle to copy formulas with relative cell references:
- Enter a formula (e.g.,
=SUM(A2:A18)). - Drag the Fill Handle across—to the right, for example—to automatically adjust references for each column (
=SUM(B2:B18),=SUM(C2:C18), etc.). - To keep references fixed (so they don’t adjust when dragging), use absolute references like
$A$20. This prevents the reference from shifting