Is it possible to make all cells in a column have the same formula?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shans91
  • Start date Start date
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shans91

I'm working on a spreadsheet so I can keep track of my earnings and
hours worked. The formula result in column F row x is always column D
row x multiplied by column E row x. Is there a way to just type in the
data and have the spreadssheet just finish it?
 
If the formula in F2 is, for example:

=D2*E2

Then click in F2,
You'll notice a tiny black square in the lower right corner of the cell
*when it's selected*.
This is called the "fill handle".

Hover the cursor over this square until the cursor changes from a fat white
cross to a skinny black cross.

Then click and drag down the column as far as needed.

When you release the mouse, you'll see that the formula was copied into each
cell AND, XL adjusted the cell references to match the row that the formula
was copied into.
--

HTH,

RD
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Please keep all correspondence within the Group, so all may benefit!
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I'm working on a spreadsheet so I can keep track of my earnings and
hours worked. The formula result in column F row x is always column D
row x multiplied by column E row x. Is there a way to just type in the
data and have the spreadssheet just finish it?
 
In F1 enter =IF(OR(D1*E1="",(D1*E1=0)),"",D1*E1)

Drag/copy down as far as you wish.

Untill you have numbers in both D and E you will see nothing in F


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP
 
One more:

=IF(count(d1:e1)<2,"",D1*E1)

It looks for numbers in both d1 and e1. If either cell is missing a number,
then you'll see what looks like an empty cell.
 
While RagDyeR's method certainly works help me understand this: I've got
much the same application as "shans91" had. I have a cell (say, C10) where
I enter Miles Driven. In cell D10 I enter Gallons Used and then in cell E10
the formula =C10/D10 computes the Miles per Gallon. As straightforward as
anything! But when I record the next tank of fuel I enter the Miles driven
into cell C11 and the quantity into cell D11. Then cell E11 automagically
picks up the formula it needs to do the math! (That is, cell E11 gets the
formula =C11/D11 without me doing anything! I don't copy the contents of
E10, I don't even move the cursor away from D11. Just press enter and
Bingo! there's the formula with the correct answer! So how does that
happen???
 
I'm on an XL97 machine this weekend.
This feature you describe was added to later versions, and I don't remember
exactly where you can access the controls for it.

But it's in:
<Tools> <Options>,
Where you can check in either the <Edit> or <Calculation> tab,
And look for:
"Extend Cell Formats and Formulas",
Or something similar to that.

You can check, or uncheck the box, to enable or disable it, as you wish.
 
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