5+ Proven Methods to Copy a Formula to Entire Column in Excel

There are a good number of ways to copy down a formula to an entire column in Excel. But I’ve discussed 5+ proven methods that actually work to copy a formula to an entire column in Excel.

Most Handy Way to Copy Down a Formula

Suppose, you’ve inserted a formula in cell C2.

Now you want to copy down the formula to the entire column.

The best way to do that is to select the entire column and press CTRL + D.

This method comes up with the following flexibilities:

• You can copy down a formula to some specific rows.
• It changes the cell references automatically.

Usage Guide 🡻

Step_1: Insert a formula at the top cell of a column.

Step_2: Select as many rows as you want to copy down the same formula. Your selection area must include the cell having the formula.

Step_3: Now press CTRL + D from your keyboard.

The formula in the top cell of your selection area will be copied to the entire selected area.

Cell references will be changed as you copy down the formula.

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Alternative Method #1: Copy a Formula to Entire Column in Excel Using Fill Handle

The next method to copy formulas to an entire column in Excel is to use the Fill Handle.

There are two ways to use the Fill Handle.

• Double-click on it.
• Dragging it.

Let’s discuss them both one by one.

Usage Guide 🡻

Step_1: Keep the cursor on the lower_right corner of the cell where you’ve inserted a formula.

The cursor will automatically turn into a plus (+) like icon. This icon is known as Fill Handle.

Step_2: Now double-click on this Fill Handle.

This will automatically copy down the formula until it finds a completely blank row.

If your data table has a blank row, then double-clicking on the Fill Handle will fill up the cells with formula until the first blank row is encountered. Look at the screenshot:

To tackle this type of scenario, you can drag down the Fill Handle instead of double-clicking on it.

Usage Guide 🡻

Step_1: Keep the cursor at the lower-right corner of the cell having the formula.

The cursor will turn into Fill Handle (+).

Step_2: Click and hold the left mouse button on the icon and then drag it down.

Drag down the (+) icon as much as you want.

This time having a blank row in the middle of your data table won’t be a problem. The formula will copy down all the way.

🔴 You can drag the Fill Handle in any direction such as left, right, up, or down.

🔴 No matter where you are taking away the Fill Handle by dragging, it will copy the formula following the direction with changing cell references.

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Alternative Method #2: Copy a Formula to Entire Column in Excel Using Fill Down Command

The next feature Excel has to copy a formula down to an entire column is the Fill Down command.

Usage Guide 🡻

Step_1: Select a range of cells having the formula inserted at the top.

Step_2: Go Home Tab 🡺 Editing Group 🡺 Fill 🡺 Down.

This will sequentially fill the formula to all the cells in an entire column with changing cell references.

The advantage of using this feature is,

• You can copy down a formula up to a specific row.
• Cell reference changes automatically.

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Alternative Method #3: Using Copy-Select-Paste

Step_1: Click on the cell where you’ve inserted a formula to select it.

Step_2: Then copy the formula by pressing CTRL + C.

Step_3: Select a range where you want to apply the copied formula.

Step_4: Press CTRL + V to paste it.

The same formula will be applied to all the selected ranges with changing cell references.

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Alternative Method #4: Using Name Box

If you have a very long column to apply a formula, selecting all the cells manually will be like a nightmare.

In such a scenario, you are recommended to use the Name Box for making the selection.

Here’s the Usage Guide 🡻

Step_1: Click on the cell where you’ve inserted a formula to select it.

Step_2: Then copy the formula by pressing CTRL + C.

Step_3: Insert a range in the Name Box to select.

For example, I’m inserting C3:C10 into the Name Box.

Step_4: Press ENTER.

All the cells from C3 to C10 will be selected.

Step_5: Paste the copied formula within C3:C10 by pressing CTRL + V.

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Use an Excel Table to Automatically Insert a Formula to an Entire Column

Let me show you an interesting thing!

I want to use a formula to get the first name only from the column called Full Name.

What I would typically need to do for that is insert a formula in the top cell of the column First Name. Later, I would need to copy the formula down to the entire column.

But all of these hassles are not mandatory to get the result.

If you convert your data table into an Excel Table, your tasks will be a lot easier.

When you insert a formula in an Excel Table, it can understand your need. Excel automatically inserts the formula for you to all the cells of an entire column.

Here’s the Guide to Help You Do this 🡻

Step_1: Select your entire table.

Step_2: Click on the Table command of the Insert tab.

Or, you can also use the shortcut key, CTRL + T instead of Step_2.

Create Table dialog box appears. From this dialog box, you can modify your table range or leave it as it is.

Step_3: After finalizing the table range, hit OK.

Your selected range will turn into an Excel Table.

Now let’s insert a formula in cell C2 of column First Name.

When you press the ENTER button, Excel will instantly copy down the formula to the entire column. Thus, you will see the formula result within the whole column.

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Conclusion

I tried to cover all the useful methods to copy down a formula in Excel to an entire column. I expect you’ve found this article useful. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us.