AutoFill: Copying Formulas Down Fast
Learn how to use AutoFill and the fill handle in spreadsheets. Write a formula once and copy it instantly across all your rows.
Why This Feature Matters
When you have a table with 50 or 500 rows, nobody wants to type the same calculation over and over on every single row. Spreadsheets include a feature called AutoFill that lets you write a formula once at the top of your table and instantly copy it down across all remaining rows.
Whenever you copy a formula down, Excel automatically adjusts the row numbers (=B3-C3 becomes =B4-C4), while keeping any cells locked with a dollar sign ($G$1) perfectly in place.
How AutoFill Works
When you click on any cell, you will notice a tiny square in the bottom-right corner of the selection border (called the Fill Handle). There are two fast ways to use it:
| Action | How to Do It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Click & Drag | Click the small square and drag your mouse down over the empty cells below. | Short tables or when you only want to fill a few specific cells. |
| Double-Click | Double-click the small square directly. | Long tables—it instantly fills all the way down to the last row! |
| Shortcut (Ctrl + D) | Select the formula cell and the empty cells below it, then press Ctrl + D. | Fast keyboard navigation without using the mouse. |
Step-by-Step Practice Guide
Practice writing and copying formulas across monthly financial records:
Practice 1 — January Net Profit Base Calculation
In cell D3, calculate January Net Profit by subtracting Expense (C3) from Revenue (B3).
=B3-C3In cell D3, calculate the Net Profit for January by subtracting Expense from Revenue. Formula: =B3-C3.
Practice 2 — AutoFill Net Profit to February
In cell D4, apply the same calculation to February (=B4-C4).
=B4-C4In cell D4, copy the Net Profit calculation to February by subtracting Expense from Revenue. Formula: =B4-C4.
Practice 3 — January Projected Revenue with Locked Multiplier
In cell E3, calculate January Projected Revenue by multiplying Revenue (B3) by the locked Growth Multiplier in $G$1.
=B3*$G$1In cell E3, calculate January Projected Next by multiplying Revenue by the fixed Global Multiplier in $G$1. Formula: =B3*$G$1.
Practice 4 — AutoFill Projected Revenue to February
In cell E4, calculate February Projected Revenue using the same locked multiplier in $G$1.
=B4*$G$1In cell E4, copy the Projected Next calculation to February using the locked multiplier in $G$1. Formula: =B4*$G$1.
AutoFill also works on sequences: if you type "January" and drag down, Excel automatically fills "February, March, April". If you type numbers like 1 and 2, select both cells and drag down to create 3, 4, 5.
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