Function Problems

Excel Formula to Reference Values with Three Blank Rows Between Them

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 8, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to reference continuous data from one column (e.g., Column A) and display it in another column while automatically inserting a repeating pattern of three blank rows between each source value.

How to Reference Excel Values with Three Blank Rows Between Them

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Reorganizing data layouts for specific formatting, spacing, or printing requirements without having to manually copy and paste each cell.
Observed behavior: Standard drag-and-fill methods map cell references one-to-one, and basic IFERROR formulas pull incorrect staggered data instead of properly separating continuous source rows with blank spaces.

Before you start

Ensure your source data is contiguous without existing blank rows, and verify that you are starting your formula in Row 1. If starting in a different row, the mathematical formula will need adjustments.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Combination of IF, MOD, ROW, and INDEX Functions

This solution uses a combined mathematical formula to calculate which source row to pull based on the current row number, inserting exactly three blank rows automatically.

To achieve exactly three blank rows between your values, the repeating cycle is every 4 rows (1 value + 3 blanks). We will use the MOD function to identify every 4th row, and the INDEX function to retrieve the correct continuous value from Column A.

Select the Destination Cell

Click on the first cell in your destination column (for example, cell B1) where you want the first value to appear.

Enter the Formula

Type the following formula exactly: =IF(MOD(ROW(),4)=1,INDEX(A:A,INT((ROW()-1)/4)+1),"") and press Enter. The value from A1 will appear.

Apply Formula Down the Column

Click on cell B1 again, hover your cursor over the small square at the bottom right corner (the fill handle) until it turns into a plus sign, then click and drag it down your column. The formula will populate A2 in B5, A3 in B9, leaving exactly three blank rows between them.

Use a Combination of IF, MOD, ROW, and INDEX Functions

Adjusting the Pattern: If you ever need two blank rows instead of three, change the '4's in the formula to '3's. The number always represents your desired blank rows plus one.

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WPS Spreadsheet provides comprehensive support for all standard data management functions, including complex array formulas and index matching. You can easily reorganize your data layout and apply advanced logical patterns.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the file containing the data you need to reorganize.
2. Enter the Formula: Click your target cell, input the IF and INDEX formula provided above, and press Enter.
3. Drag to Fill: Use the smart fill handle at the bottom right corner of the cell to drag the formula down, instantly formatting your new spaced list.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas, including INDEX, MATCH, and logical operators.User-friendly interface that makes data manipulation and formatting highly efficient.Built-in error checking to help you easily troubleshoot complex nested formulas.Lightweight software that runs smoothly on almost any device without lagging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start this formula in a row other than row 1?

Yes, but you must adjust the ROW() references in the formula. If you start in row 5, for instance, you need to subtract 4 to recalibrate the cycle. Replace ROW() with (ROW()-4) in both places inside the formula.

Why does my formula return a 0 instead of a blank?

If the source cell in Column A is actually empty, the INDEX function defaults to returning a 0. To prevent this, you can append &"" to the end of the INDEX portion of your formula, which forces it to display as text.

How do I remove the formulas and keep only the spaced values?

Highlight the entire destination column containing your newly spaced data, copy it (Ctrl+C), right-click on the same highlighted area, and select 'Paste Special' > 'Values'. This removes the formulas and leaves only the static data and blank cells.

Excel & Data Problems