Tip of the Day | Thursday 17 September 2026

Discover new tools to get things done.

Fill Vertical with Linear Trend Series (Columns)

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

Specify a Keyboard Shortcut: ASAP Utilities  › My Tools & Shortcuts › Manage My Tools & Shortcuts...

Tip:Alt+P for the previous tool.