Extend Excel Formula Without Overwriting Background Color

• Right click on the cell containing the formula (in this case, B1) and select Copy
• Select the range you want to extend the formula to (in this case, $B$2:$B$4)

• Right click on the selected range, and click on Formula option under Paste Options

  

Note: this is just the way I found to do it. If anyone knows a better/easier way, please feel free to post it as an answer, and I will accept your answer.

Well, there is indeed another option:

And when you pick 'Fill without Formatting', your formulas will be copied without the background being copied over.

[Note for formulas, you won't get "Fill Series", I just got the picture from google =P]

I still prefer using the paste formulas only, since I can easily put it in the quick access toolbar and use Alt + [Some number] as shortcut.