Excel formula not calculating automatically

Image of spanners to represent tools

Problem: Excel formula is not calculating automatically

For example, you try to flash fill a formula down a column and Excel copies the first cell’s contents down the column instead.

A likely reason is that the formula ‘Calculation Options‘ setting is on ‘Manual‘ rather than the default ‘Automatic‘.

Screenshot of calculation options menu items in Excel

Find Excel’s Calculation Options on the ‘Formulas’ tab of the ribbon.

Screenshot of formulas tab on Excel's ribbon.