Quickly Filling a Column

Summary: Excel has a great (and little known) shortcut for filling a column with information. It comes in very handy when you need to copy a formula for the entire depth of the column, as described in this tip. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

When creating a many-row worksheet, it is often necessary to type a formula in one of the top rows and fill the column with that same formula. A convenient way to find the bottom of the column is to go there once (when you are first working with the worksheet) and place a character in each cell of the last row.

Now, when you place your formula at the top of the column, you can simply do this:

Select the cell that has your formula in it. (The one you just entered.)
Press Ctrl+Shift+Down Arrow. This selects all the cells from the formula through the "bottom marker" in the column.
Press Ctrl+D. The selected cells are filled with the formula.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2093) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Quickly Filling a Column