Click here for Introduction Click here for Table of Contents Click here for Examples and Special Topics
BarEnd.jpg (765 bytes)

  Semi-automated series
Automated series. Excel knows about certain common series that you may use as column headers (for example, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...). The worksheet cell cursor includes a drag handle at its lower right hand corner that tries to make it easier to enter such series in the sheet.

Let's assume, for example, that you want to add a number of columns to a worksheet showing years (say, 1998, 1999, and so on to 2003).  To do this quickly:

  1. Enter the first year.
  2. Move the cursor and enter the second year.
  3. Select both years.  This identifies the pattern to Excel.
  4. Pull the drag handle (the small black box in the lower right corner of the selection cursor) to the right.  You will know that the drag handle is active because the cursor will change to a thin black cross.
  5. Pull the drag handle (in this case to the right) until you have all the years you want.
  6. Release the mouse button.

Excel knows about series such as years, months, days of the week, and fiscal quarters.  In fact, the program will attempt to duplicate any pattern that you give it.  To understand this better, experiment on a blank worksheet.
Learn more

ppticon.gif (370 bytes)

 Review a presentation that describes entering a semi-automated series using the drag handle.

avi_icon.gif (229 bytes)

 See a video demonstration of entering years, months, days of the week, and fiscal quarters.