Excel like a finance pro.
The functions, VBA, and shortcuts a finance operator actually uses — curated, with CFO examples. Prefer them pre-built? Grab a ready-made model.
← All tips & shortcuts Practice file
Fill down / right
CtrlDEntry & fillCopy the cell above (or to the left) down a whole selection.
Difficulty
Beginner
1What it does
Ctrl + D copies the topmost cell of a selection into the rest of it — formula, value, and formatting, with references adjusting as they go. Ctrl + R fills from the left instead. Select the source plus the target range, then one keystroke fills it.
2The shortcut
CtrlD
- 1Write the formula or value in the top cell.
- 2Select from that cell down through the range to fill.
- 3Press
Ctrl + D(orCtrl + Rto fill rightward).
3Before → after
Press the shortcut to play it on a sample sheet.
or press the keys for real
Before — formula in the top cell only
| A — Revenue | B — Formula | C — Gross profit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100,000 | =B2*0.4 | 40,000 |
| 2 | 110,000 | ||
| 3 | 120,000 |
4When you use it
- Copy a formula down a long column in one go.
- Fill a value or format without dragging the fill handle.
- Extend a row of formulas rightward with
Ctrl + R.
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