Use AutoFill and AutoComplete

AutoFill feature

Instead of entering data manually on a worksheet, use the AutoFill feature to fill cells with data that follows a pattern or that is based on data in other cells. To use the AutoFill feature, select a desired cell and then move the mouse point over the lower-right corner of the cell until it appears as a black plus sign that is called Fill Handle



AutoFill Month or Date

1.   Enter the month or date in the first cell of the range you want to fill

2.   Hold down the left mouse button and drag Fill Handle to extend the series

3.   Release the mouse button



 

AutoFill incremented number list

1.   Enter the number in the first cell of the range that you want to fill

2.   Hold down Option key and then drag Fill Handle which has a little plus sign in the top right-hand corner of the Fill Handle

3.   Extend the series and then release the mouse button



 

AutoComplete feature

AutoComplete feature allows Excel recognize characters that begin a value that has already been entered in the worksheet. To use the existing entry, do one of the following:

1.   Click on the entry

2.   Press the down arrow key on the keyboard and then press either tab or return to move to a next cell

  • tab – move to the cell on the right
  • return – move to the cell below

3.   When entering data in the cell, press esc key to cancel AutoComplete