If you’re wondering how to copy a formula in Excel, you’re not alone. Copying formulas efficiently is one of the most important tasks in Excel and is essential for speeding up your work. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, Excel provides multiple ways—using keyboard shortcuts, fill handles, or menu options—to quickly duplicate formulas across cells and worksheets.
📋 Why Copying Formulas Matters
Formulas are the backbone of Excel spreadsheets. Instead of rewriting formulas again and again, you can copy them to other cells and have Excel adjust the references automatically. This saves time and reduces the chance of manual errors.
You can copy:
- Simple arithmetic formulas
- Functions like
SUM(),VLOOKUP(), orIF() - Dynamic cell references
- Entire columns of formulas
🧩 Methods to Copy a Formula in Excel
✅ Using the Fill Handle (All OS)
- Click the cell with the formula.
- Hover over the bottom-right corner until the small black cross appears.
- Drag it across the desired cells.
Excel will auto-adjust cell references unless you’ve used absolute references ($).
✅ Using Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Windows Excel | macOS Excel | Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy formula cell | Ctrl + C | Cmd + C | Ctrl + C |
| Paste formula | Ctrl + V | Cmd + V | Ctrl + V |
| Auto-fill formula down | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D | Ctrl + D |
| Auto-fill formula right | Ctrl + R | Cmd + R | Ctrl + R |
| Edit copied formula | F2 | Ctrl + U | F2 |
🪟 How to Copy a Formula in Excel on Windows
- Select the cell with the formula.
- Press Ctrl + C to copy.
- Select the destination cell(s).
- Press Ctrl + V to paste.
For copying formulas downward in the same column:
- Select both the original and destination cells.
- Press Ctrl + D.
For copying rightward:
- Use Ctrl + R.
🍏 How to Copy a Formula on Excel for macOS
- Click the formula cell.
- Use Cmd + C to copy it.
- Select where you want to paste.
- Press Cmd + V.
To autofill down:
- Select the range.
- Press Cmd + D.
To autofill right:
- Press Cmd + R.
🐧 How to Copy Formulas in Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc)
In LibreOffice Calc (commonly used on Ubuntu):
- Click the formula cell.
- Press Ctrl + C.
- Select the target cell or range.
- Use Ctrl + V to paste.
Use:
- Ctrl + D to fill down
- Ctrl + R to fill right
LibreOffice maintains similar functionality to Microsoft Excel.
📌 Tips for Copying Formulas
- Use absolute references (
$A$1) if you want the formula to always refer to the same cell when copied. - Use relative references (
A1) to let Excel adjust the formula dynamically. - To copy only the formula (not formatting), use Paste Special > Formulas via:
- Windows: Alt > E > S > F
- macOS: Cmd + Ctrl + V (then choose Formulas)
- Ubuntu: Ctrl + Shift + V, select Formulas Only
🚀 Advanced Formula Copying
You can even copy formulas between sheets:
=Sheet2!A1 + Sheet3!B2
When copied across sheets, make sure the referenced sheet names exist. If not, Excel will return an error.
You can also use named ranges to simplify your copied formulas:
=SUM(Sales2024)
❓ FAQs – Copying Formulas in Excel
Does Excel adjust cell references automatically?
Yes, unless you’re using absolute references ($), Excel adjusts references relative to the new cell location.
Can I drag a formula across non-adjacent cells?
No, but you can copy and use Paste Special for non-continuous areas.
Will formatting also copy with the formula?
Yes, unless you use Paste Special > Formulas to skip formatting.
Is this feature available in Excel Online?
Yes! It works similarly but lacks some advanced shortcuts.
✅ Conclusion
Knowing how to copy a formula in Excel is essential for anyone working with spreadsheets. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, mastering this simple task saves time and boosts accuracy. Combine fill handles, smart cell referencing, and keyboard shortcuts to elevate your Excel game.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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