What is Auto Fill in Excel?

Learn how to auto-fill an excel spreadsheet.

Using an Excel spreadsheet for complicated arithmetic allows the user to display large amounts of calculated data in an uncomplicated viewable spreadsheet. Coming up with the calculated data each time is time consuming, especially for large spreadsheets. The auto fill feature is a valuable tool that quickly allows the user to calculate answers.

Significance

Typing consecutive data in a large spreadsheet may take up valuable time. Using the auto fill feature allows the user to save time and quickly fill the cells with the correct data without typing the repetitious data in each cell. The auto fill feature also allows the user to reuse formulas throughout the spreadsheet to get the answer to repetitious calculations.

Types

Excel allows the user to auto fill consecutive numbers, days of the week, months, letters, years and multiples. The auto fill feature also allows the user to create their own content they would like to auto fill.

Expert Insight

The auto fill feature is accessible two different ways. The first way is by clicking on the "Auto Fill" button at the top of the Excel spreadsheet. The second way is by right clicking on a cell where you would like to begin the auto fill. While holding down the mouse, drag the cell length to the adjacent cells the where the auto fill should be. Release the mouse.

Resources

• Microsoft: Excel Auto Fill