Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to quickly fill down data in Google Sheets? Whether you’re working with static data, sequential values, or formulas, there are simple methods you can use to achieve this. In this article, we’ll walk you through three easy steps to fill down in Google Sheets, using both the drag-and-drop method and the autofill function. So let’s get started!
Drag-and-Drop Method to Fill Down in Google Sheets
The drag-and-drop method is a straightforward way to copy the same data into a column. Whether you’re dealing with static data, sequential values, or formulas, this method works like a charm. Let’s take a look at how it’s done:
Step 1: Add the data you want to duplicate in the first cell.
You can input numbers, strings, or even formulas. It’s that versatile!
Step 2: Click and hold the small square in the bottom right corner of the selected cell.
When you select a cell, a blue selection box appears around it. In the bottom right corner of the box, you’ll find a small blue square. Your cursor will also change from an arrow to a fine cross. This indicates that the cursor is on the small square. Keep holding the mouse button down when this happens.
Step 3: Drag down until you reach the desired range or double-click the small blue square.
For short columns, it’s best to drag down. But for longer columns that exceed the screen, double-clicking the small blue square in the bottom right corner of the selected cell is more efficient.
Sequential Data Fill Down using Drag-and-Drop
If you want to fill down a series of sequential data, such as ascending or descending numbers, you just need to make a slight modification to the previous steps:
Step 1: Enter the first and second values.
These values can be integers or decimals and can form either an ascending or descending trend. By inputting these two values, Google Sheets can analyze the pattern to use for the fill down command.
Step 2: Select both cells.
Selecting both cells helps Google Sheets determine the pattern to use.
Step 3: Click and drag down the small square in the bottom right corner of the selected range.
If the range exceeds the screen, you can still double-click the small square, and you’ll achieve the same result.
Fill Down with a Formula using Drag-and-Drop
You can also effortlessly fill down columns using the same formula in just a few clicks. Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Add the formula to the first cell.
Set up the formula as desired, but make sure to correctly define the references as Google Sheets uses them. The FAQ section below provides a guide to help you define references correctly in your formula.
Step 2: Click and hold the small square in the bottom right corner of the selected cell.
When you select a cell, a blue selection box appears around it. In the bottom right corner of the box, you’ll find a small blue square. Your cursor will also change from an arrow to a fine cross. This indicates that the cursor is on the small square. Keep holding the mouse button down when this happens.
Step 3: Drag down until you reach the desired range or double-click the small blue square.
For short columns, it’s best to drag down. But for longer columns that exceed the screen, double-clicking the small blue square in the bottom right corner of the selected cell is more efficient.
Autofill Method to Fill Down in Google Sheets
The autofill method is useful when you want to fill a column with the same formula but with different values that depend on the row it’s in. Let’s go through the steps:
Step 1: Click on the first cell of the column.
Selecting the first cell of the column is ideal because it’s usually closest to the header rows, if any. This allows you to later verify if the formula is correct or not.
Step 2: Enter the formula and press Enter.
Set up the formula for the first row and press Enter.
Step 3: Click the confirmation button for an autofill suggestion (if it appears) or double-click the small square in the bottom right corner of the selected cell.
If you’re adding the formula for the first time, a popup window titled “Autofill” will appear with an autofill suggestion for the entire column. If you’re happy with the suggestion, click the confirmation button.
We hope this article has helped you gain a better understanding of how to fill down in Google Sheets. For more tips and useful resources, visit Crawlan.com. You can also check out our articles on removing gridlines in Google Sheets and filling a series in Google Sheets. To optimize your workflow, we recommend reading our guide on setting up automatic emails from Google Sheets and trying out our renewal management software.
Remember, mastering Google Sheets is all about efficiency and simplifying your data management tasks. Happy spreadsheeting!
