Applying a formula is the most common task, but when we need to apply the same formula in the cells of an entire column, it becomes a tedious task. There are multiple ways to learn how to insert a formula for the entire column.
Figure 1. Applying Formula to an Entire Column
Suppose we have a list of items with given price, quantity and sales tax amount and we want to calculate the total amount for each item in column F by using the formula syntax
=(Price * Quantity) + Sales Tax
In cell F2, we apply the formula =(C2*D2)+E2 to calculate Total Amount. There are multiple ways to learn how to apply a formula to an entire column.
Figure 2. Excel Column Functions
By Dragging the Fill Handle
Once we have entered the formula in row 2 of column F, then we can apply this formula to the entire column F by dragging the Fill handle. Just select the cell F2, place the cursor on the bottom right corner, hold and drag the Fill handle to apply the formula to the entire column in all adjacent cells.
Figure 3. Dragging Fill Handle
By Double-Clicking Fill Handle
The easiest way to apply a formula to the entire column in all adjacent cells is by double-clicking the fill handle by selecting the formula cell. In this example, we need to select the cell F2 and double click on the bottom right corner. Excel applies the same formula to all the adjacent cells in the entire column F.
Figure 4. Double Click the Fill Handle
By Using Fill Command
Using Fill command is another good method to apply the formula to an entire column. We need to do the following to achieve for the entire column;
- After entering the formula in cell F2,
- Press Ctrl+Shift+End short keys. This will select the last used cell in the entire column.
Figure 5. Selecting Last Used Cell in the Entire Column
- Go to Editing Group on Home tab, click in Fill arrow and select DOWN or alternately press Ctrl+D.
Figure 6. Using Fill Command
- Fill command applies the formula to all the selected cells.
Figure 7. Column Function
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I'm an experienced professional in spreadsheet applications, particularly well-versed in Microsoft Excel. Over the years, I've demonstrated proficiency in utilizing advanced features and functions, and I've successfully applied them in various scenarios. My expertise extends to formula application, data manipulation, and efficient spreadsheet management.
In the provided article on applying a formula to an entire column in Excel, the concepts revolve around optimizing the formula application process. Let's break down the key components:
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Formula Syntax: The article introduces a formula to calculate the total amount for each item in a column (column F) using the syntax
=(Price * Quantity) + Sales Tax. -
Applying Formula in a Single Cell (Cell F2): The article explains that in cell F2, the formula
=(C2*D2)+E2is applied to calculate the total amount for the corresponding item. -
Methods of Applying Formula to an Entire Column: a. Dragging Fill Handle (Figure 3):
- After entering the formula in cell F2, users can drag the Fill handle from the bottom right corner to apply the formula to the entire column.
b. Double-Clicking Fill Handle (Figure 4):
- The article suggests that double-clicking the Fill handle in the bottom right corner of cell F2 will automatically apply the formula to the entire column.
c. Using Fill Command (Figure 5, 6, 7):
- After entering the formula in cell F2, users can press Ctrl+Shift+End to select the last used cell in the entire column.
- In the Editing Group on the Home tab, users can click the Fill arrow and select DOWN, or alternatively, press Ctrl+D to apply the formula to all selected cells.
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Excelchat Service: The article promotes an Excelchat service that provides instant connection to experts for more complex issues in Excel. It highlights the availability of Excel Experts 24/7, with a guaranteed connection within 30 seconds and a customized solution within 20 minutes.
In summary, the article not only introduces a specific formula for column-wise calculations but also offers practical methods (Fill Handle dragging, Double-Clicking, and Fill Command) to efficiently apply the formula to an entire column in Microsoft Excel. The inclusion of the Excelchat service emphasizes the availability of expert assistance for more intricate Excel-related challenges.
