Let Excel automatically fill data when it senses a pattern

Flash Fill automatically fills your data when it senses a pattern. For example, you can use Flash Fill to separate first and last names from a single column, or combine first and last names from two different columns.

Windows & Mac

When you're entering data that has a pattern, like separating a full name into first and last names, you can use the Flash Fill feature in Excel for the web to save time and have Excel fill in the data for you.

Be sure you have Flash Fill turned on in your settings. To turn Flash Fill on, go to Tools > Options > Advanced > Editing Options > check the Automatically Flash Fill box.

Type a few examples to show a clear pattern, like this:

Flash fill button on Data tab

Go to the Data tab > click Flash Fill and Excel automatically fills in your data. TA-DA!

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