Since formulas are the most used elements in Excel, they are not just used in one or a couple of cells. Formulas are applied in an entire column or a large range of cells in the column. There are several ways that Excel gives you to apply a formula to an entire column in Microsoft Excel. However, the keyboard shortcut CTRL+ D is the shortest method.
Using Keyboard Shortcut
Use the easy steps below as you apply the keyboard shortcut method;
1. Enter the formula =A2*15% in the B2 cell.
2. Select all the "cells" that you need to apply the formula
3. Press CTRL+ D keys or drag.
Double- Clicking on the AutoFill Handle
It is one of the simplest ways to use the mouse double-clicking method. The formula to use may be =B2*15%. Use the following simple steps to apply the formula.
1. Enter the formula =A2*15% in the cell B2
2. Select the "cells" you need to apply this action
3. A small green square appears at the bottom-right part of your selection. Position the cursor above the green square. This action changes the cursor to a plus sign.
4. Double click the left mouse key
The entire column is automatically filled up to the cells adjacent to your column. It is important to note that there should be no data in the adjacent column or blank cells so that this method can work.
Using the Drag and Autofill Handle
This method can be applied when you have a small dataset; hence you can manually drag the fill handle to apply the formula.
1. Enter =A2*15% in the B2 cell
2. Select the "cells" you need to apply this action, and a small green box appears at the bottom-right of the selection you have just made
3. Position the cursor above the small green square; it changes to a plus sign
4. Holding the left key of the mouse, drag it to the cell that you want to apply the formula, then release the mouse
By using the Fill Down Option
You first have to select the cells you want to have the formula applied. Use the simple steps below;
1. Enter the formula =A2*15%
2. Make a selection of all the cells that you want the formula to be applied to
3. Go to the Home Tab
4. Select the Fill icon in the editing group
5. Go to Fill Down
The formula is taken from C2 and then filled in all selected cells.
By Adding the Fill Down in the Quick Access Toolbar
Add it to the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) to use the Fill down method. Follow the easy steps below;
1. Click on the Fill Down option
2. Right-click it
3. Click on Add to Quick Access Toolbar; the Fill down icon appears in the Quick Access Toolbar, and you can use it the apply the formula in your entire dataset
