How to Automatically Fill Increment Cells in Excel

Filling cells with incremental values in Excel is a routine task for many Data Analysts like yourself. In this tutorial, we will learn the process step-by-step, with helpful resources available to deepen your understanding.

Step 1: Input the Initial Values

Begin by inputting the first two values of your series. For example, if you want a series to increment by 2, you might input "2" in A1 and "4" in A2. (Resource 1)

Step 2: Select the Input Cells

Next, select both cells. You can do this by clicking and dragging from the first cell to the second, or by holding Shift and using your arrow keys. (Resource 2)

Step 3: Activate the Fill Handle

Now, notice the small square in the bottom-right corner of your selection. This is the fill handle. Hover over it until your cursor changes to a crosshair, then click and drag down or across, depending on where you want your series to extend. (Resource 3)

Step 4: Adjust the Series (Optional)

By default, Excel increments by the difference between your initial two inputs. If you want a different increment, release the fill handle, select the cells again, and click Fill > Series in the Home tab. Here, you can set your desired step value. (Resource 4)

Step 5: Review Your Work

Finally, make sure your series is filled correctly. Remember, Excel's goal is to predict your pattern, so it may not always guess correctly. Always check your work. (Resource 5)