Answer

A value is duplicated in Excel by referencing the original cell directly or by using a simple copy formula that points to the source cell.

Direct cell reference

The most accurate formula to duplicate a value is a direct reference to the source cell.

=A1

A cell displays the exact value stored in cell A1. The duplicated value updates automatically when the original value changes.

Duplicate values down a column

A value is duplicated down multiple rows by copying a relative reference.

=A1

1. Enter the formula in the destination cell.

2. Drag the fill handle downward.

3. Each row duplicates the value from the corresponding source row.

Relative references shift automatically based on position.

Duplicate values across columns

A value is duplicated across columns by copying the same reference horizontally.

=A1

1. Enter the formula in the target column.

2. Drag the fill handle to the right.

3. Each column displays the duplicated value.

Duplicate a fixed value using an absolute reference

A single value is duplicated across many cells without changing the reference by using an absolute reference.

=$A$1

Every cell displays the value from A1 regardless of where the formula is copied.

Duplicate values from another worksheet

A value is duplicated from a different worksheet by qualifying the sheet name.

=Sheet2!A1

The destination cell mirrors the value from Sheet2 cell A1.

Duplicate values conditionally

A value is duplicated only when a condition is met by using a logical formula.

=IF(A1<>"",A1,"")

The cell displays the duplicated value when the source cell is not empty.

Windows and Mac differences

The formulas used to duplicate values are identical on Windows and Mac. The fill handle location and keyboard shortcuts differ slightly, though formula behavior remains the same.

Key characteristics of duplication formulas

1. Direct references maintain live updates.

2. Absolute references prevent position-based changes.

3. Sheet-qualified references support cross-sheet duplication.

4. Logical formulas control when duplication occurs.

These formulas follow spreadsheet calculation standards documented in official spreadsheet application references and are consistent across supported platforms.

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