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How to Apply Formula to Entire Column in Google Sheets: The Ultimate Guide

December 7, 2023 2.8K views

Embark on a journey to master Google Sheets' formula application. In this guide, we'll explore diverse scenarios, from Windows to Mac and even mobile, ensuring you grasp the intricacies effortlessly. Get ready to enhance your spreadsheet skills!

How to Apply Formula to Entire Column in Google Sheets on Windows

Applying formulas to entire columns in Google Sheets on Windows is a straightforward process. Follow this step-by-step guide for seamless execution:

Method 1: Using the Fill Handle

Step 1: Enter your formula in the first cell of the column.

Step 2: Click and drag the fill handle (the small blue square in the bottom-right corner of the cell) down the column.

Step 3: Release the mouse button when you reach the end of the column.

The formula will be copied to all of the cells in the column.


Method 2: Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Step 1: Click the cell that contains the formula you want to apply to the entire column.

Step 2: Press Ctrl + Shift + Down to select all of the cells below the current cell.

Step 3: Press Ctrl + D to copy the formula to all of the selected cells.

The formula will be copied to all of the cells in the column.

Additional Tips

  • If you want to apply the formula to a specific range of cells, you can select the cells before you enter the formula.

  • If you have more than one formula to apply, you can use the Fill Across feature to copy the formulas to the corresponding cells in other columns.

  • You can also use the Apply Formula to Range feature to apply a formula to a range of cells that is not within a single column.

How to Apply Formula to Entire Column in Google Sheets on Mac

Executing formulas across entire columns in Google Sheets on a Mac involves a user-friendly process. Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide to ensure a seamless experience:

Method 1: Using the Fill Handle

Step 1: Enter your formula in the first cell of the column.

Step 2: Click and drag the fill handle (the small blue square in the bottom-right corner of the cell) down the column.

Step 3: Release the mouse button when you reach the end of the column.

The formula will be copied to all of the cells in the column.


Method 2: Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Step 1: Click the cell that contains the formula you want to apply to the entire column.

Step 2: Press Command + Shift + Down to select all of the cells below the current cell.

Step 3: Press Command + D to copy the formula to all of the selected cells.

The formula will be copied to all of the cells in the column.

How to Apply Formula to Entire Column in Google Sheets Without Dragging (Using Keyboard Shortcuts)

Applying formulas to entire columns without dragging can be a time-saving method. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide for both Windows and Mac users:

For Windows:

Step 1: Click the cell that contains the formula you want to apply to the entire column.

Step 2: Press Ctrl + Shift + Down to select all of the cells below the current cell.

Step 3: Press Ctrl + D to copy the formula to all of the selected cells.

For Mac:

Step 1: Click the cell that contains the formula you want to apply to the entire column.

Step 2: Press Command + Shift + Down to select all of the cells below the current cell.

Step 3: Press Command + D to copy the formula to all of the selected cells.

How to Apply Formula to Entire Column in Google Sheets on Mobile App

Applying a formula to an entire column in Google Sheets can save you time and effort, especially when you have a large dataset. There are two main methods for doing this: using the fill handle or using autofill.

Step 1: Open the Google Sheets app on your mobile device.

Step 2: Open the spreadsheet that contains the data you want to work with.

Step 3: Tap the cell that contains the formula you want to apply to the entire column.

Step 4: Tap and hold the fill handle (the small blue square in the bottom-right corner of the cell).

Step 5: Drag the fill handle down the column to the last cell you want to include in the formula.

Step 6: Release the fill handle and choose “autofill”

The formula will be copied to all of the selected cells in the column.

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FAQs

How to trigger autofill in Google Sheets?

To trigger autofill in Google Sheets:

Step 1: Click the small square at the lower-right corner of the cell with the content you want to autofill.

Step 2: Drag it down for columns or across for rows, or double-click for automatic filling.

Step 3: Customize autofill behavior using the options menu if needed.

How to use an array formula in Google Sheets?

Using an array formula:

Step 1: Select the cell for the result.

Step 2: Begin with an equals sign and enter the desired function (e.g., SUM).

Step 3: Select the range of cells for the calculation.

Step 4: Enclose the range in curly braces {}.

Step 5: Press Enter to complete the formula, performing the calculation across the specified range.

How to Copy Formulas to Multiple Columns in Google Sheets?

To copy formulas to multiple columns in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on the cell containing the formula you want to copy.

Step 2: Hover over the small square at the bottom-right corner of the selected cell (the fill handle).

Step 3: Drag the fill handle across the columns where you want to apply the formula.

Step 4: Release the mouse button to copy and apply the formula to the selected columns. This method ensures quick and efficient replication of formulas across multiple columns in your spreadsheet.

Summary

This comprehensive guide walks users through the process of applying formulas to entire columns in Google Sheets, offering step-by-step instructions for Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms. Emphasizing clarity, the guide utilizes bolded keywords and screenshots. Additionally, it introduces WPS Office as a compelling alternative, highlighting features like free downloads, compatibility with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, and the added benefits of WPS AI for advanced document processing.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.