Using the Fill Handle Tool

You can quickly fill in a series of data in Excel using the Fill Handle tool. You can use the Fill Handle tool to enter a series of numbers or dates. You can fill data up or down in a column or to the left or to the right in a row.

To use the Fill Handle tool:

1. Enter the first value of the series in a cell.
2. Enter the second value of the series in an adjacent cell.
3. Select the cells you want to base your series on.
4. Click and drag the Fill Handle in the direction you want to fill the series.
5. Release the mouse button when you have highlighted the last cell you want to fill.

• You can select more than two cells of data to define the series. You can also click a single cell and then click and drag the Fill Handle tool to quickly fill cells with the same value.
• As you drag the Fill Handle, a tool tip appears displaying the value of the highlighted cell.

The Fill Handle tool can be used to fill a series of dates by month as well as years. For example, if you start the series with Jan-2004 and Feb-2004, the fill handle will fill in the next cells with Mar-2004, Apr-2004, May-2004, etc. When the series reaches Dec-2004, the next cell will be filled in with Jan-2005.

• You can also fill cells by clicking the Edit menu, pointing to Fill, and selecting a command—Up, Down, Right, Left, Across Worksheets..., Series..., or Justify.
• To fill a cell with the value of the cell above it, press + on the keyboard.
• To fill a cell with the value of the cell to the left of it, press + on the keyboard.