Tutorial: Filling to match the neighboring column in Excel

Discover how to quickly fill a number sequence in a spreadsheet, matching the column length of the rest of your data. By Sean McManus, from the book 100 Top Tips: Microsoft Excel

There's an even quicker way to autofill a range so it matches the size of the neighboring columns.

Enter the first two data items in the sequence you want to use. For example, if you want to add years starting at 2025 and want to increase by 1 each time, enter 2025 and 2026 into two cells.
Highlight both cells containing the data items you just entered.
Double-click the Fill handle in the bottom right of the selected area.
Your data column is automatically filled to match the size of the neighboring columns. In my example, the autofill extends to where the data ends in the third column, even though the nearest column is shorter.

Where next?

About 100 Top Tips: Microsoft Excel

This tutorial is from 100 Top Tips: Microsoft Excel. The powerful pocketbook helps you to learn more from your data, be more productive with Excel, and improve the accuracy of your spreadsheets. It's packed with shortcuts, tips, and hacks for Excel that solve everyday business problems. Find out more and download a free PDF sampler here, and order the book online here.

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