- -- By Sumit Bansal
What do you do when you have to enter a sequence of serial numbers in a column in Excel? For example, entering numbers 1 to 1000 in cell A1:A1000.
The regular way of doing this is:
- Enter 1 in cell A1.
- Enter 2 in cell A2.
- Select both the cells and drag it down using the fill handle.
Sometimes it may get a bit irritating to drag the fill handle to the last cell which can be many folds below the current cell.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you a faster way to fill numbers in cells without any dragging.
Quickly Fill Numbers in Cells without Dragging
Here are the steps:
- Enter 1 in cell A1.
- Go to Home –> Editing –> Fill –> Series.
- In the Series dialogue box, make the following selections:
- Series in: Columns
- Type: Linear
- Step Value: 1
- Stop Value: 1000
- Click OK.
This will fill the cell A1:A1000 with the numbers 1 to 1000.
Notes:
- If you want to fill the numbers in the row instead of the column, select ‘Rows’ in the ‘Series in’ options.
- If you want to start from a number other than 1, fill that number in cell A1. Also, you can choose a different step. For example, select 2 for getting all numbers with a difference of 2.
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Sumit is the Founder of trumpexcel.com. He started this blog in 2013 as an effort to share Excel tips and tutorials. He has also been awarded the Microsoft MVP award for Excel. He is out on a mission to help people save time and be productive while working on Excel.
5 thoughts on “How to Quickly Fill Numbers in Cells without Dragging”
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That is all nice, but what if my number need to start with
0161481 and finish with 0163030. That is impossible to do with fill option.
I would be happy if someone know how.Reply
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excellent n wonder videos
Reply
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This is a nice website. I looked at various tutorials and found them to be easy, especially that several examples are also given. I ended up getting the free e-book.
Reply
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How to do this job in excel installed on ipad?
Reply
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Thank you so much for your easy explanation of Excel!
Reply
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Leave a Comment
I'm an Excel expert with a deep understanding of spreadsheet functionalities, particularly in Microsoft Excel. My expertise is grounded in practical applications and a thorough comprehension of the software's features and capabilities. I've extensively utilized Excel for data analysis, reporting, and automation, making me well-versed in various tips and tricks that enhance productivity.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article, "How to Quickly Fill Numbers in Cells without Dragging" by Sumit Bansal:
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Fill Handle Method:
- This is the conventional method of entering a sequence of numbers in Excel by using the fill handle.
- It involves entering the initial value, selecting the fill handle, and dragging it to fill the desired range.
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Series Functionality in Excel:
- The article introduces an alternative method using the Series functionality in Excel to fill numbers quickly.
- The Series functionality is accessed through the "Home" tab under "Editing" and then "Fill" and "Series."
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Linear Series:
- The tutorial focuses on creating a linear series of numbers.
- The user specifies the starting point, step value, and stop value in the Series dialogue box.
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Series Direction:
- The user can choose whether to fill the series in columns or rows by selecting the appropriate option in the "Series in" field.
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Custom Starting Point and Step Value:
- The tutorial mentions that users can start the series from a number other than 1 by entering a different number in the initial cell.
- It also suggests customizing the step value to achieve a different increment between numbers.
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Additional Excel Tutorials:
- The article includes links to other Excel tutorials, such as selecting blank cells, using the Format Painter, numbering rows, applying formulas to entire columns, and filling down blank cells until the next value.
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User Comments:
- User comments indicate specific scenarios, such as starting a series with a specific number, and seek solutions beyond the regular fill options.
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Excel Productivity Tips:
- The article promotes a free Excel tips ebook, suggesting that the author, Sumit Bansal, is dedicated to helping users save time and be productive in Excel.
In summary, the tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to efficiently filling numbers in Excel cells using both traditional methods and the Series functionality, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of Excel's features. The inclusion of user comments and links to additional tutorials adds depth to the overall expertise presented in the article.
