Autofilling dates in Google Sheets is a time-saving trick that can help you create a series of dates in your spreadsheet quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re planning a schedule, tracking a project, or just need to fill in a calendar, Google Sheets can automate this task for you in a few simple steps.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Autofill Dates in Google Sheets
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s first understand what we will accomplish. By following these steps, you’ll be able to autofill a series of dates in a column or row in your Google Sheets document, saving you the hassle of manually typing each date.
Step 1: Enter the Start Date
Type your start date into the cell where you want your date series to begin.
Entering the start date is crucial as it tells Google Sheets where to begin the autofill sequence. Ensure your date is in a format recognized by Google Sheets, such as MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY.
Step 2: Drag the Fill Handle
Click on the cell with your start date, and then drag the fill handle (a small blue square at the bottom right of the cell) down or across the cells where you want your dates to be autofilled.
Dragging the fill handle tells Google Sheets to continue the sequence from your start date. If you drag down, the dates will fill vertically in a column; dragging across will fill the dates horizontally in a row.
Step 3: Adjust the Autofill Options
After dragging the fill handle, a small box will appear in the corner of the last cell. Click on this box to adjust your autofill options.
When you click on the box, you’ll be given options such as "Fill Series," "Copy Cells," or "Fill Formatting Only." For autofilling dates, you’ll usually want to choose "Fill Series" to continue the date pattern.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a neat series of dates in your Google Sheets document. This can be incredibly useful for project planning, scheduling, or any task that requires a sequence of dates.
Tips for Autofilling Dates in Google Sheets
- Tip 1: Ensure your start date is in a recognized date format to avoid any errors during the autofill process.
- Tip 2: Use the fill handle to easily autofill the dates instead of manually entering each one.
- Tip 3: Adjust your autofill options according to your needs, whether you want a daily, weekly, or monthly sequence.
- Tip 4: If you need to autofill dates excluding weekends, you can use the WORKDAY function.
- Tip 5: You can also autofill dates by using formulas for more complex sequences, such as every other day or every third day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I autofill dates to skip weekends?
Yes, by using the WORKDAY function in Google Sheets, you can autofill dates while skipping weekends.
How do I change the autofill sequence to weekly or monthly?
In the autofill options, you can choose to fill the series by day, week, month, or even year, depending on your needs.
Can I autofill dates based on a custom pattern?
Yes, by highlighting more than one cell with different dates, Google Sheets will recognize the pattern and continue it when you drag the fill handle.
Can I use formulas for autofilling dates?
Absolutely, using formulas like =A1+1 can help you create a sequence where each date is one day apart from the previous one.
What should I do if autofill isn’t working?
Make sure your start date is in the correct format, and ensure that you’re dragging the fill handle correctly. If it still doesn’t work, check your autofill settings in Google Sheets.
Summary
- Enter the start date.
- Drag the fill handle.
- Adjust the autofill options.
Conclusion
Autofilling dates in Google Sheets is a nifty feature that can significantly streamline your workflow. By understanding how to leverage the fill handle and autofill options, you can effortlessly create a series of dates tailored to your specific needs. Remember, the key to autofilling effectively is to start with a properly formatted date and to familiarize yourself with the various autofill settings available. Whether you’re managing a project, organizing events, or simply creating a personal schedule, mastering the autofill function in Google Sheets can save you time and reduce the risk of errors. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as your productivity soars with this convenient tool at your disposal.

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.