How to Use the Fill Handle in Microsoft Excel

If your Excel data follows a pattern, you can use the Fill Handle to quickly and easily add data to multiple rows and columns.

This feature works the same in all modern versions of Microsoft Excel: 2010, 2013, and 2016.

1. Enter enough data to establish a pattern and then select the cells containing the pattern.
2. Click on the Fill Handle, which is located in the bottom right cell of the selected cells.
3. Drag the Fill Handle for as many rows or columns as desired.

Examples of scenarios in which it might be useful to use the Fill Handle include:

1. Entering a numbered list.
2. Entering days of the month.
3. Entering months of the year.
4. Entering yet to be named items which need to be differentiated.
5. Copying formulas throughout a row or column.