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Auto Fill/Flash Fill Feature not recognizing pattern.
I tried a simple pattern of increasing each digit in the same column and highlighted the numbers with the intended empty columns to fill. I selected" flash fill" from the data tools menu. I keep getting this message:
"To use Flash Fill, enter a couple of examples of the output you'd like to see, keep the active cell in the column you want filled in, and click the Flash Fill button again."
I am using excel 2019 on a mac laptop.
I have the input entered as the following:
Radius (cm) in the column
2
4
6
8
10
And it still won't recognize this pattern. I've tried a simpler one such as 1, 2, 3, 4,...10. And I still receive the error number. Any tips?
7 Replies
I think the feature you're looking for is Series Fill (via Fill Handle or Home | Editing | Fill | Series). Flash Fill looks at the adjacent column.
- Ah yes thank you! I realized my mistake was not selecting the bottom corner point from the highlighted column that I wanted the pattern to emerge in. Thanks!
Atom328 here I am in 2024 just learning this. Thank you!
- You should not be using flash fill for this. Simply select the first two cells (2 and 4 for example) and then drag the fill handle down for as many cells as you need.
I know. I was testing this auto fill features prior to using it for more complicated patterns and cell reference functions.. like if I wanted to find how to increase or decrease caloric intake to a maintenance amount by 1% each day... then I'd use the auto fill feature to save time and input the calculations which holds a product cell into the formula as I extend the formula.
I actually figured out what I did wrong and why auto fill was not working. I highlighted the cells in a column but this is incorrect and why the data fill was not working. I needed to highlight and specifically click the corner point and then autofill worked.
