Move or copy a formula

To move or copy a formula in Excel, you have a few easy options depending on what you want to do:

✅ 1. Copy a Formula to Another Cell

▶ Method: Drag Fill Handle

1. Click the cell with the formula.
2. Hover over the bottom-right corner of the cell until the plus sign (+) appears.
3. Click and drag to the desired range (down, right, etc.).

✅ Excel automatically adjusts the formula references if they’re relative (e.g., A1 becomes A2, A3, etc.).

✅ 2. Copy and Paste

1. Select the cell with the formula.
2. Press Ctrl + C (Copy).
3. Click the destination cell.
4. Press Ctrl + V (Paste).

💡 If you want to copy the exact formula without changing references, see absolute references below.

✅ 3. Move a Formula

1. Select the formula cell.
2. Press Ctrl + X (Cut).
3. Click the new location.
4. Press Ctrl + V (Paste).

⚠️ Moving a formula keeps references the same (it doesn’t adjust them like a copy would).

🔄 Relative vs. Absolute References

• =A1 + B1 → Relative (changes when copied)
• =$A$1 + $B$1 → Absolute (does NOT change when copied)

🧠 Tip: Paste Formula Only

If you only want to paste the formula without formatting, after copying:

• Right-click → Paste Special → Choose Formulas.