Excel - Speed up data entry

If you are filling data in Excel, the system attempts to help you by automatically filling in a suitable option from those already filled in, in one of the cells above. (If you like what is suggested simply press Enter). This is really helpful. However there are many more ways that will make entry really fast, here are some that I use:

Use Ctrl + D to copy the contents of the cell directly above it – this works whether the cell above has numbers, text or a formula or even if it is hidden. This can also be used simultaneously on several cells by first selecting the cells and then pressing Ctrl + D.

Use Ctrl  + R to copy the contents of the cell on the left.

To simultaneously type in many worksheets, first select the sheets (see bottom left corner of the file) one by one by clicking on the sheet tabs, keeping Ctrl pressed. Then type in whatever is required. To stop this simultaneous entry, just click on any sheet name. This process can be helpful when you are typing say Headings of each column that you want to repeat on each worksheet.

Excel provides an Autofill process. Go to any cell and note the square black dot on the right hand bottom column. This is extremely useful and is called the auto fill handle. Type whatever is needed in a cell, click on the handle and drag it over multiple cells to enter the same contents (or formula) in all the cells. Further uses of this are in entering data in in a series such as 1,2,3..., or 3,6,9 etc. Select say three cells already filled (to establish clearly the pattern) and then drag the auto fill handle. Incidentally this also works with series such as days of the week or months of the year.  If you need to use autofill over a large number of rows, simply double click the handle and the system will complete your work for you. Do play around with this handle and you will find that it works for many combinations.