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Excel -- Data Entry -- Fill Blank Cells Fill Blank Cells
Fill Blank Cells Programmatically
Some worksheets contain cells that have been left blank, in order to make the headings and subheadings easier to read.
However, if you want to sort or filter the list, you need to fill in the blanks, by copying the value from the first filled cell above the blank.
The following technique makes it easy to fill in the blanks.
Watch the Video
View the steps described below, in a short video clip.
Start by selecting the empty cells:
- Select the cells in the column, starting in the row below the column heading.
- Choose Edit | Go To
- Click the Special button
- Select Blanks, click OK
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Enter the formula to copy the value:
- Type an equal sign
- Press the up arrow on the keyboard -- this will enter a reference to the cell above -- cell A2 in this example
- Hold the Ctrl key and press Enter -- this enters the formula in all selected cells
Change the formulas to values:In order to sort or filter the data, the formulas must be changed to values.
- Select the entire column
- Choose Edit | Copy
- With the column still selected, choose Edit | Paste Special
- Select Values, click OK
Note: Do this carefully if there are other cells in the range which contain formulas.
Watch the Video
View the steps described above, in a short video clip.
1. Data Entry -- Tips
2. Data Entry -- Fill Blank Cells
3. Data Entry -- Convert Text to Numbers
4. Data Entry -- Increase Numbers With Paste Special
Last updated: July 5, 2008 10:44 PM