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View Full Version : Auto Fill with Alpha Characters in Excel


Jeter62
Jul 13, 2009, 09:16 AM
In Excel, how could I Auto Fill with alpha characters instead of numeric values?

I know that I can click on the bottom right-hand corner of a cell until the black + sign appears, and then click and drag to fill the same formula, formatting, etc. downward or to the right, with numeric values. If I label, say, cell A1 as A, A2 as B, etc. can I Auto Fill the subsequent cells as C, D, E, and so on?

I appreciate any help you can lend me!

JBeaucaire
Jul 13, 2009, 09:59 AM
The reason numerics work is obvious, Excel is a number - crunching tool, eh?

But Excel confused us about text when it showed it can fill in some text automatically. Like entering MONDAY in a cell then drag/copying down will automatically increment TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, etc.

Same for months. How is it doing this? Well, it's been taught to do this, and you're going to have to teach it your lists, too, even basic A,B,C... etc.

Look in TOOLS > OPTIONS > CUSTOM LISTS and you'll see the entry screen where you can create your additional autofill lists. You can do it manually, or highlight any range of cells on your sheet where you've laid it out.

Teaching your sheet a list of names, like employees, now that's cool to use!