Excel autofill not working as expected

**avp3000** · 09-04-2013, 05:25 AM

I am using MS Excel 2013. I have two columns - Year and Quarter like this:

2009 1
2009 2
2009 3
2009 4
2010 1
2010 2
2010 3
2010 4
2011 1
2011 2
2011 3
2011 4
2012 1
2012 2
2012 3
2012 4
2013 1
I would expect that if I select the two columns and drag the selection down I would have 2013 2, 2013 3 and so fort. Instead I get:

1) If no formatting is applied to the cells:

2012.852941 2.588235294
2013.098039 2.607843137
2013.343137 2.62745098
2013.588235 2.647058824
2013.833333 2.666666667
2014.078431 2.68627451
2014.323529 2.705882353
2) If both columns are formatted as numbers:

2013 3
2013 3
2013 3
2014 3
2014 3
2014 3
In the second scenario at least the Year column is populated as expected, but not the Quarter column. What should I do to get autofill to work as expected?

**:) Sixthsense :)** · 09-05-2013, 01:57 AM

Please attach a sample workbook with enough data to make it clear what is needed. Include a BEFORE sheet and an AFTER sheet in the workbook if needed to show the process you're trying to complete or automate. Make sure your desired results are demonstrated, mock them up manually if needed. Remember to desensitize the data.

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**Debraj Roy** · 09-05-2013, 02:14 AM

Hi avp3000!

Autofill are programmed, so that it check only last cell and second last cell, and according to difference.. in increase Linear, Growth.. or some Week pattern..

If you sill like to handle it according to you... if have to be smart that its program..

check a sample..

In A1 type 2009,
Select cells A1:A20. press Alt + E + I + S, and in step value section write 0.25

So now its like 2009,2009.25,2009.5 and so on..
Now in a separate cell (lets say.. B1.. write formula as =INT(A1) and drag it till B20..

obviously there is much better way to generate numbers in some pattern.. but try to understand the logic behind AutoFill..