Flash Fill

Flash Fill recognizes a pattern in the data you're entering and automatically completes the rest of the column for you - no formulas required.

How It Works

Type the expected result for the first one or two rows next to your source data, then trigger Flash Fill to apply that same pattern down the rest of the column.

Data tab -> Flash Fill   (or press Ctrl + E)

Example

If column A contains full names like "Riya Sharma" and you type "Riya" in column B, Flash Fill can detect the pattern and automatically extract the first name for every other row.

Combining Columns

Flash Fill can also merge data - typing "Riya Sharma - Noida" based on separate Name and City columns will prompt Excel to combine the rest of the rows the same way.

When Flash Fill Doesn't Trigger

If Excel doesn't detect the pattern automatically, select the range and use Data > Flash Fill or Ctrl + E manually.