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How to autofill dates in Excel – 2 quick methods

Here are two methods to Autofill dates in Excel.
Kevin Pocock
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Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

How to autofill dates in Excel – 2 quick methods
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Table of Contents

Are you wondering how to autofill dates in Excel? We’ve got you covered.

Manually filling dates in an Excel spreadsheet is not only tedious but also increases the possibility of errors. Using an autofill setting saves time and reduces the chance that a minor typing mistake leads to a massive problem. Therefore, learning how to autofill dates in Excel can make your life easier.

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In this guide, we'll cover how to autofill sequential and non-sequential dates in Excel.

1

How to autofill sequential dates in Excel

First, we will discuss how to autofill sequential dates in an Excel spreadsheet. These are dates that follow after each other.

Step

1

Type the date in a cell

Select the first cell that you want the dates to appear in and type in the first date of the sequence.

How to create and autofill dates in a spreadsheet using Excel.

Step

2

Select the Fill Handle

Select the Fill Handle (+ sign) that appears in the lower-right corner of your chosen cell, using the left mouse button.

Learn how to create a spreadsheet in Excel and efficiently autofill dates.

Step

3

Drag it down

Keeping your finger on the left mouse button, drag the Fill Handle across the spreadsheet in your chosen direction. The Fill Handle can move up, down, and across.

Learn how to create a spreadsheet in Excel and easily autofill dates.

Step

4

Release the button

When all the cells you require to be filled are filled, release the button. However, keep in mind that this method allows you to fill sequential days only.

A spreadsheet with a customer name and an autofilled date.

Step

5

Choose from the options

For other options, when you have selected the full range of cells, click the Autofill icon in the lower-right corner. A pop-up menu will appear, with options for sequential dates including Fill Weekdays, Fill Months, and Fill Years.

Learn how to create a calendar in Excel using the Autofill Dates feature.

2

How to autofill non-sequential dates in Excel

Now, let’s discuss how to autofill non-sequential dates. With this, you can put in the same date in every cell.

Step

1

Select the cell

Select the cell in which you typed the date.

Step

2

Fill the cells

Use the Fill Handle to fill the cells with the dates.

Step

3

Select Copy Cells

After the dates are filled, click on the Autofill icon, and select copy cells. This will copy paste the same date in every cell.

Learn how to easily add and autofill dates in Excel spreadsheets.

Conclusion

This was everything you needed to know about how to autofill dates in Excel. In this guide, we have discussed methods for both sequential and non-sequential dates so you can organize your sheets however you like. Also, remember that you can double-click on the Fill Handle as well to fill in the dates, but this only works if there is corresponding data in the column on the left side of the date.

To learn more about Excel, follow these in-depth guides:

About the Author

Kevin Pocock

Kevin has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs, and all things consumer tech. And more than 17 years experience in tech journalism.