Microsoft Excel

Excel Data Entry and Autofill

Learn to enter clean data and use fill tools without damaging patterns and spot and correct an incorrect sequence in this beginner-friendly Microsoft 365 lesson.

Learning outcomes

Explain how to enter clean data and use fill tools without damaging patterns.
Complete the guided practice safely.
Check that you can spot and correct an incorrect sequence.

Before you begin

Open Excel and create a blank practice workbook. Use sample information rather than confidential business data.

Open official Microsoft guidance ↗

Step-by-step instructions

Open Excel and a blank practice workbook and confirm you are using the intended account.
Create a dated list and extend a series with AutoFill.
Pause and check permissions, filenames, recipients, dates or settings that affect the task.
Test the result: spot and correct an incorrect sequence.
Save the workbook to OneDrive and check that formulas, formatting and labels still display correctly.

Ian's practical tip: Use sample information first. Once the workflow is correct, repeat it with approved work information and the minimum necessary access.

Practical activity

Create a dated list and extend a series with AutoFill. Your expected result is to spot and correct an incorrect sequence.

Good-practice checklist

I used the correct account and approved sample information. I completed and tested the activity. I checked sharing, privacy and the saved result.