How to Create Sequences in Excel

You know how sometimes you need to enhance or create Excel data with common sequences such as months, days of the week, or another sequence? You can do this easily using only two things - common sequences build into Excel, and a special part of Excel called the “fill handle”. Read on to find out how you can learn this in LESS THAN A MINUTE.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a computer
• MS Excel

1. The FILL HANDLE is that little dot in the lower right corner of the active cell. Before we begin, let’s find the FILL HANDLE. Take a look at the image to the right. It is a close up of the cell that was clicked, or is currently active.
   See the little dot in the lower right corner?
   This is the FILL HANDLE.
   The next step shows how to use it to create a sequence of months.
2. Begin your sequence with any valid logical item from the list. Let’s start with an easy one – for example if you need to enter some MONTHLY data in Excel, you might create the columns for months of the year.
   First, type JANUARY in the first column.
3. Click and drag the FILL HANDLE to extend the list. Next, click your mouse on the fill handle and drag it across the columns to the right.
   Notice how it automatically creates the logic sequence of months?
   Below this try days of the week.
   PS: Having a hard time clicking the fill handle? Zoom in on the page using shortcuts described in my other article.
4. Any item ending in a number will work. Now, here’s the thing – you can also do this with any caption that ends in a number.
   Try Qtr 1 and drag that across.
   Now try Week 1.
   Now try UNIT 1.
   Get the idea?
   Have fun, and be sure to check out the resources below for more Excel training materials.

Tips & Warnings

• you can add your own sequence if you have one you use often
• see resources on this page for more tips on using the fill handle
• careful, the fill handle is addictive!