Tip of the Day | Thursday 17 September 2026

This tool fills your selected cells with values that follow a linear trend, calculated separately for each column based on the numbers already in that column's selection.

It uses Excel's built-in Fill Series feature with:

• Series in: Columns
• Type: Linear
• Trend: Yes (best-fit line through known values)

How it works:

The tool analyzes the numeric values found within the selected cells in each column, then fills accordingly:

• One value found: Fills upward and downward with a step of 1.
• Two values, in the first and last cell of the column selection: Fills only the blank cells between them evenly
• Two or more values, elsewhere in the column selection: Calculates a linear trend and fills all selected cells with the interpolated values. This may overwrite the existing values.

Examples:

• One value:
  • Before: (blank), (blank), 10, (blank), (blank)
  • After: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
• Two values:
  • Before: 10, (blank), (blank), 40
  • After: 10, 20, 30, 40
• Three or more values:
  • Before: 12, (blank), 50, (blank), 800
  • After: 12, -30.71, 50, 409.66, 800

This is useful for interpolating missing data, estimating values, or applying a numeric trend without using formulas.

It saves time compared to Excel's manual Home > Fill > Series with Trend option.

For even faster access, assign a custom shortcut via "My Tools & Shortcuts".

Starting this tool