Working with data in Excel becomes much faster once you learn the fill range feature.

Instead of typing values one by one, you can let Excel do the work for you using the drag-and-fill technique. Below, we’ll go through three simple examples to show you how it works.

1. Fill a Range with the Same Value. To copy a single value across multiple cells:

1. Enter the value 7 into cell B4.
2. Select cell B4.
3. Move your mouse pointer to the lower-right corner of the cell until it turns into a small black plus sign (the fill handle).
4. Click and drag it down to cell B11.

Excel will fill the selected range with the same value. This method is simple but very powerful - you’ll use it frequently.

2. Fill a Range with a Number Pattern

1. Excel can also detect patterns and continue them automatically.
2. For example: Enter the value 2 into cell B2 and the value 6 into cell B3.
3. Select both cells B2 and B3 together. Move to the fill handle and drag the selection downward.

Excel will recognize the difference between the first two numbers and extend the sequence (2, 6, 10…). This is a quick way to generate number patterns without manual input.

3. Fill a Range with Dates You can also use this feature with dates. For example:

1. Enter the date 13/1/25 into cell B4.
2. Enter the date 14/12/25 into cell B5.
3. Select cells B4 and B5, then drag the fill handle down.

Excel automatically identifies the interval (in this case, 1 day) and continues the series (20/1/25, 6/22/2030, etc.).

Final Thoughts

The Excel fill handle is one of the most useful tools for beginners and professionals alike. Whether you’re filling in repeated values, generating number patterns, or extending dates, this feature saves time and reduces errors.