What is a Fill Handle?

Welcome Delta Sigma Pi

  • Accessibility
  • Sales:

    Home:

    1-800-426-7235

    Business:

    1-866-426-0911

    Chat Now >

    Visit Sales Support Page >


    Order Support:

    Order Lookup >

    Visit Order Support Page >

    Technical Support >

Lenovo
All
  • All
  • Laptops
  • Desktops
  • Workstations
  • Monitors
  • PC Accessories & Electronics
  • Tablets
  • Servers & Storage
  • Servers Accessories
  • Sign In / Create Account
    My Lenovo Account
    Keep track of your wishlist, orders, and rewards all in one place
    Sign In / Create Account
    Welcome Back!
    Access your order, subscriptions, saved carts, rewards balance, and profile
    View My Account
    Orders
    View & track your orders
    Rewards
    Earn & redeem Rewards
    Profile
    Edit name, password, and account settings
    Wishlist
    Manage a wishlist of your favorite products
    Products
    Manage your devices, accessories
    Product Registration
    Register your product and/or update your warranty dates
    Sign Out
  • My Lenovo Rewards
  • Cart
  • Products
  • Solutions
  • Services
  • Support
  • About Lenovo
  • Deals
  • Student
  • Gaming
  • AI
  • Digital Workplace
  • Hybrid Cloud
  • Edge
  • Sustainability
  • TruScale
  • Solutions by Industry
  • Alliance Partners
  • Other Solutions
  • Resources
TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
DISCONTINUED
Temporary Unavailable
Cooming Soon!
. Additional units will be charged at the non-eCoupon price. Purchase additional now
We're sorry, the maximum quantity you are able to buy at this amazing eCoupon price is
Sign in or Create an Account to Save Your Cart!
Sign in or Create an Account to Join Rewards
View Cart
Remove
Your cart is empty! Don’t miss out on the latest products and savings — find your next favorite laptop, PC, or accessory today.
item(s) in cart
Some items in your cart are no longer available. Please visit cart for more details.
has been deleted
Please review your cart as items have changed.
of
Contains Add-ons
Subtotal
Proceed to Checkout
Yes
No
Popular Searches
What are you looking for today ?
Trending
Recent Searches
Items
All
Cancel
Top Suggestions
View All >
Starting at
  • Black Friday in July! Limited-time Doorbusters + Buy more, Save more!  Shop Now >

  • My Lenovo Rewards! Earn 3%-9% in rewards and get free expedited delivery on select products. Join for Free >

  • Buy online, pick up select products at Best Buy. Shop Pick Up >

  • Lease-to-own today with Katapult. Get started with an initial lease payment as low as $1! * Learn More >

Home > Glossary > What is a Fill Handle?
Glossary Hero
Learn More
StarStar

Annual Sale

Lenovo Laptop SaleLenovo Laptop Sale

Laptop Deals

Desktop DealsDesktop Deals

Desktop Deals

Workstation DealsWorkstation Deals

Workstation Deals

StoreStore

Pick Up Today at Best Buy

ControllerController

Gaming PC & Accessory Deals

MouseMouse

PC Accessories & Electronics Deals

MonitorMonitor

Monitor Deals

Tablet and phoneTablet and phone

Tablets & Phones Deals

ServerServer

Server & Storage Deals

Discount tagDiscount tag

Clearance Sale


What is a Fill Handle?

A fill handle is a tool in Microsoft Excel that allows users to quickly copy formulas or data down a column or across a row. It can be identified by the small black dot at the bottom-right corner of a cell containing data or a formula. When you mouse over the dot, your cursor turns into a plus sign (+)—the fill handle. Click and drag the fill handle to highlight the cells you wish to target, and they’ll be filled with copies of the original.

What does the Fill Handle do?

The fill handle in Microsoft Excel helps save time by automatically filling in cells with data or formulas based on an initial selection. For example, if you have one cell with a value you want to apply to 25 other cells, just click and drag on the fill handle and it instantly copies that value over all the cells you select, eliminating time spent manually copying them.

How do I access the Fill Handle?

Microsoft Excel’s fill handle can be accessed when your cursor is placed within an active cell containing either data or a formula. A black square should appear at the bottom-right corner of the cell. Mouse over it until it becomes a plus sign (+), then click and drag to highlight the cells where you want the content of the original cell to be pasted.

When would I use the Fill Handle?

Using the fill handle in Microsoft Excel can be handy for quickly entering data into multiple cells, applying mathematical formulas such as addition over multiple rows or columns. It also helps in creating charts and tables quickly without having to input each cell individually, or simply just copying text into multiple cells simultaneously.

What are some tips for using the Fill Handle?

One tip for using the fill handle in Microsoft Excel is to double-check before dragging your selection, since many mistakes start from simply misreading information. Another tip is to experiment with how far your drag needs to go in order for certain functions to take effect—some intricate algorithms may require longer drags than others. And remember it only works in active cells—don't look for the fill handle anywhere else.

Can I use keyboard shortcuts with the Fill Handle?

Yes, keyboard shortcuts can be used with many different features of Microsoft Excel's Fill Handle feature. CTRL+D fills down (copying from the top left into the bottom right) while CTRL+R fills up (copying from the bottom right into top left). And simultaneously pressing ALT when doing these actions will keep source formatting intact throughout the application, rather than applying new formatting during fill operations.

What other cell-filling options exist besides the Fill Handle?

Beyond the Fill handle, there are additional ways to fill cells in Microsoft Excel, mostly related to bulk operations involving larger ranges. For example, Fill Series allows users to complete calculations (such as counting up by 2s from 2-18) instead of selecting each number individually within those two limits. Similarly, Fill Formatting allows users to copy existing formatting rules without separate access code manipulation.

How can Microsoft Excel be used to present data?

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool for presenting data in an easy-to-understand and visually attractive way. With various charts and graphs, users can visualize patterns—or outliers—in their data. The PivotTable feature helps make complex sets of data more manageable by aggregating related information. Additionally, Excel’s Presentation Mode lets you set up a slideshow-like presentation with automatic transitions and animations.

What other tools are available in Microsoft Excel?

Beyond the ever-useful fill handle, Excel features a variety of other time-saving tools. AutoSum can quickly add the values in a group of cells. Conditional Formatting can help identify patterns or trends in data. And Pivot Tables can be used to summarize and sort data from multiple sources.

Are there advanced tips for working with Microsoft Excel data?

When working with Microsoft Excel, always try to start off with a clean sheet to help ensure your data is clear and organized. Double-check your formulas to make sure they are correct. Utilize PivotTables when possible (they help you sum up or summarize data across multiple columns or rows). Use Conditional Formatting to highlight cells with data that meet certain criteria. And finally, when possible, use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your day-to-day use of the application.

Looking for a Great Deal?
Shop Lenovo.com for great deals on A+ Education PCs, Accessories, Bundles and more.
Shop Deals Now

  • Legion 7i Gen 9 (16″ Intel) Gaming Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,699.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition (15ʺ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,127.97
    Learn More
  • Yoga Book 9i (13” Intel)
    Starting at
    $1,999.99
    Learn More
  • Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition (14″ Intel) Laptop
    Starting at
    $1,439.99
    Learn More
  • ThinkPad P1 Gen 7 (16″ Intel) Mobile Workstation
    Starting at
    $1,871.22
    Learn More
  • Shop
    • Student Deals
    • K-12 Student Laptops
    • Student Accessories
    • Laptops by Major
    Education resource
    Explore
    • What is STEM?
    • Best Laptops for College
    • Student & Teacher Discounts
    • Lenovo Sustainability Programs
    Education carry case

    Stem Articles
    See All STEM Articles
    • Online STEM Education

    • STEM Career Tips & Resources

    • Women in STEM

    • STEM Educator Training

    • STEM Grants & Funding

    • STEM Education: Coding for Kids

    • STEM Education: Robotics

    • STEM Education: Biotechnology

    • STEM Education: Sustainability

    • STEM Education: AI & ML

    While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this glossary is provided for reference purposes only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. It serves as a general resource for understanding commonly used terms and concepts. For precise information or assistance regarding our products, we recommend visiting our dedicated support site, where our team is readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

    Why Lenovo?

    Go Greener with Leno...

    Lenovo is committed to Smarter Climate Action with lower energy laptops, use of sustainable materials and pack...
    Learn more
    pastel background

    Get It Now, Pay For It Later

    Lenovo has multiple financing option: the Lenovo Credit Card, installment plans, and lease-to-own financing options for you. See if you Prequalify
    Learn More
    pastel background

    Productivity & Peace...

    Stay productive with Premium Care Plus - 24/7 priority support and coverage against accidental damage. Power t...
    Learn more
    pastel background

    Assistance and Suppo...

    Chat with a trained professional who can help you find the right products, place or check on an order, or setup your Education laptop.
    Contact Us
    pastel background
    Enter email to receive Lenovo marketing and promotional emails. Review our Privacy Statement for more details.
    Please enter the correct email address!
    Email address is required
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Youtube
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Instagram
    Select Country / Region:
    Country
    AndroidIOS

    About Lenovo

    • Our Company
    • News
    • Investors Relations
    • Compliance
    • ESG
    • Product Recycling
    • Product Security
    • Product Recalls
    • Executive Briefing Center
    • Lenovo Cares
    • Careers
    • Formula 1 Partnership

    Products & Services

    • Laptops & Ultrabooks
    • Smarter AI for You
    • Desktop Computers
    • Workstations
    • Gaming
    • Tablets
    • Servers, Storage, & Networking
    • Accessories & Software
    • Services & Warranty
    • Product FAQs
    • Outlet
    • Deals
    • Lenovo Coupons
    • Cloud Security Software
    • Windows 11 Upgrade

    Resources

    • Legion Gaming Community
    • Lenovo EDU Community
    • Lenovo Pro Community
    • Lenovo Pro for Business
    • My Lenovo Rewards
    • Lenovo Financing
    • Lenovo Trade-in
    • Affiliate Program
    • Affinity Program
    • Employee Purchase Program
    • Lenovo Partner Hub
    • Laptop Buying Guide
    • Where to Buy
    • Glossary

    Customer Support

    • Contact Us
    • Policy FAQs
    • Return Policy
    • Shipping Information
    • Order Lookup
    • Register a Product
    • Replacement Parts
    • Technical Support
    • Forums
    • Provide Feedback
    © 2025 Lenovo. All rights reserved.
    PrivacyCookie Consent ToolSite MapTerms of UseExternal Submission PolicySales terms and conditionsAnti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
    Compare  ()
    x
    Call

    Need Help? Call: 

    1-800-426-7235
    Select Your Store
    Add items to your cart?
    We've noticed that you've entered a different store. Do you want to add these items to your cart in the new store?
    No Yes. Add in Lenovo Pro

    close_icon

    Sign up and receive up to $100
    off your next purchase.
    Click here for offer details
    Are you shopping for a business?

    No, Thanks

    Click here for offer details
    *Offer valid for new subscribers only. Not valid on previous purchases.
    Lenovo Privacy Policy
    Thanks for signing up!
    You should receive an email from us within the next 2 hours
    *Offer valid for new subscribers only. Not valid on previous purchases.
    Lenovo Privacy Policy
    An error occurred while submitting your request.
    Please try again later.