If you want to copy a value or formula from one cell to the cells below it, you don’t need to copy and paste each cell separately. Excel has a keyboard shortcut that makes this task easier.
The Ctrl + D shortcut in Excel uses the Fill Down command to copy the contents of the top cell into the selected cells below it.
What Does Ctrl + D Do in Excel?
The Ctrl + D keyboard shortcut fills the selected cells with the contents of the topmost cell.
For example, suppose cell A2 contains the value 100, and you want to fill the same value into cells A3 to A6.
You can select cells A2 to A6 and press Ctrl + D. Excel copies the value from A2 into the cells below it.
You can use this shortcut to fill down:
- Values
- Text
- Formulas
- Cell formatting
How to Use Ctrl + D in Excel?
Follow these steps to use the Fill Down shortcut.
1. Enter a value, text, or formula in the top cell.
2. Select the cell containing the content and the cells below where you want to copy it.
3. Press Ctrl + D.
Excel copies the contents of the top cell into the remaining selected cells.
Important: Include the original cell at the top of your selection. Excel uses that cell as the source for the Fill Down command.
Example 1: Fill Down the Same Value
Suppose you have entered the value 500 in cell B2 and want to copy it into cells B3 to B6.
Before using the shortcut:
| Employee | Bonus |
| Rahul | 500 |
| Priya | |
| Amit | |
| Sneha | |
| Kiran |
Select the range B2:B6 and press Ctrl + D.
After using the shortcut:
| Employee | Bonus |
| Rahul | 500 |
| Priya | 500 |
| Amit | 500 |
| Sneha | 500 |
| Kiran | 500 |
Excel fills the selected cells with the value from B2.
Example 2: Fill Down a Formula
You can also use Ctrl + D to copy a formula into multiple rows.
Suppose column A contains quantities and column B contains prices. You want to calculate the total amount in column C.
Enter this formula in cell C2:
=A2*B2
To copy the formula into the rows below:
1. Enter the formula in C2.
2. Select the range C2:C6.
3. Press Ctrl + D.
Excel copies the formula from C2 into the cells below. Because the formula uses relative references, the cell references adjust automatically.
For example:
| Employee | Salary | Bonus 10% on Salary |
| Rahul | 15000 | =B2*10% |
| Priya | 12000 | =B3*10% |
| Amit | 18000 | =B4*10% |
| Sneha | 19200 | =B5*10% |
| Kiran | 26000 | =B6*10% |
This is useful when you need to apply the same calculation to multiple rows.
Example 3: Fill Down Text
Suppose you have entered Pending in cell D2 and want to use the same status for the rows below.
1. Enter `Pending` in D2.
2. Select the range D2:D10.
3. Press Ctrl + D.
Excel fills the selected cells with the text `Pending`.
This can be useful when filling repeated statuses, department names, categories, or other text entries.
Can You Use Ctrl + D to Fill Down Multiple Columns?
Yes. You can use Ctrl + D to fill down multiple columns at the same time.
For example, suppose cells A2 and B2 contain values, and you want to copy their contents into the rows below.
1. Select the range C2:E6.
2. Press Ctrl + D.
Excel fills each column using the contents of its topmost selected cell. In this example, C2 fills the cells below it in column C, and D2 fills the cells below it in column D.
This is helpful when you need to copy multiple values or formulas across several rows.
What Is the Difference Between Ctrl + D and Ctrl + R?
Both shortcuts fill cells, but they work in different directions.
| Shortcut | Action | Direction |
| Ctrl + D | Fill Down | Copies the top cell into the cells below |
| Ctrl + R | Fill Right | Copies the leftmost cell into the cells to its right |
For example, use Ctrl + D to copy a formula down a column. Use Ctrl + R to copy a formula across a row.
Can You Fill Down Without a Keyboard Shortcut?
Yes. Excel provides two other ways to fill down: using the Fill Down command on the Ribbon and using the fill handle.
Method 1: Use the Fill Down Command
1. Select the range, including the cell containing the content you want to copy.
2. Go to the Home tab.
3. In the Editing group, click Fill.
4. Select Down.
Excel copies the contents of the topmost cell into the selected cells below it.
Method 2: Drag the Fill Handle Down
The fill handle is the small square at the bottom-right corner of a selected cell. You can drag it down to copy a value or formula into the rows you choose.
1. Enter a value or formula in the first cell.
2. Select that cell.
3. Move the pointer to the small square at the bottom-right corner.
4. When the pointer changes to a small black plus sign, click and drag the fill handle down to the required rows.
Excel fills the cells based on the source cell’s contents. When copying a formula, relative cell references adjust automatically.
Tip: When dragging numbers or dates, Excel may copy the value or continue a series. Check the result to make sure it matches what you need.
Related article: Excel AutoFill: What It Is and How to Use It
Method 3: Double-Click the Fill Handle
If the adjacent column contains data, you can double-click the fill handle to copy a value or formula down automatically.
For example, suppose column A contains employee names and cell B2 contains a formula to calculate each employee’s bonus.
1. Enter the formula in B2.
2. Select cell B2.
3. Move the pointer to the fill handle at the bottom-right corner of the cell.
4. Double-click the fill handle.
Excel fills the formula down alongside the adjacent data in column A.
Important: Excel usually determines how far to fill based on the adjacent data. Blank cells or gaps in that data can affect where filling stops. If the result is incomplete, drag the fill handle manually or select the required range and use Ctrl + D.
Comparison: Three Ways to Fill Down in Excel
| Method | How it works | Best used for |
| Ctrl + D | Fills the selected range using the topmost cell | Quickly copying values, text, formulas, and formatting |
| Fill Down command | Uses the command on the Home tab | Filling down without remembering a shortcut |
| Drag the fill handle | Fills cells as far as you drag | Choosing exactly how many rows to fill |
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Does Ctrl + D copy formulas in Excel?
Yes. Ctrl + D copies the formula from the topmost cell into the selected cells below it. Relative cell references adjust automatically, while absolute references remain fixed.
2. Do I need to select the original cell when using Ctrl + D?
Yes. Include the source cell at the top of the selected range. Excel uses its contents to fill the cells below.
3. Does Ctrl + D work with text and numbers?
Yes. You can use Ctrl + D to fill down text, numbers, formulas, and cell formatting.
4. Does Ctrl + D create a number series?
No. Ctrl + D copies the contents of the top cell. It does not automatically create a series such as 1, 2, 3, 4. To create a series, use Excel’s Fill Series feature or the fill handle, depending on the data and Auto Fill options.
Final Thoughts:
The Ctrl + D shortcut is a quick way to fill cells with the contents of the top cell. Select the range, include the source cell at the top, and press Ctrl + D.
If you prefer using your mouse, you can use the Fill Down command, drag the fill handle, or double-click the fill handle to fill alongside adjacent data.
For more useful shortcuts, visit our [Excel Keyboard Shortcuts guide](https://excellopedia.com/excel-keyboard-shortcuts).
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