Which tool automatically fills in data based on a pattern?

Which tool automatically fills in data based on a pattern?

• A. Autofill
• B. Fill Down
• C. Flash Fill
• D. AutoComplete

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how data entry tools recognize and extend patterns to fill cells automatically. Autofill is designed to sense what pattern you’re establishing—such as a numeric sequence, a date series, or a repeated value—and then continue that pattern into adjacent cells, often by dragging a fill handle. It can also copy formulas or formatting along with the pattern, making it a versatile way to populate large ranges quickly. Fill Down simply copies the content of the top cell into other cells in the selected range, without recognizing or continuing any sequence or pattern. Flash Fill can deduce and apply a pattern to transform data (like splitting or combining text) based on examples you provide, but it’s more about data manipulation rather than extending a general fill pattern across a set of cells. AutoComplete suggests completing a word as you type from earlier entries in the same column, but it doesn’t automatically extend a pattern across many cells or fill a sequence. So, the tool that automatically fills in data based on a pattern is Autofill.

The idea being tested is how data entry tools recognize and extend patterns to fill cells automatically. Autofill is designed to sense what pattern you’re establishing—such as a numeric sequence, a date series, or a repeated value—and then continue that pattern into adjacent cells, often by dragging a fill handle. It can also copy formulas or formatting along with the pattern, making it a versatile way to populate large ranges quickly.

Fill Down simply copies the content of the top cell into other cells in the selected range, without recognizing or continuing any sequence or pattern. Flash Fill can deduce and apply a pattern to transform data (like splitting or combining text) based on examples you provide, but it’s more about data manipulation rather than extending a general fill pattern across a set of cells. AutoComplete suggests completing a word as you type from earlier entries in the same column, but it doesn’t automatically extend a pattern across many cells or fill a sequence.

So, the tool that automatically fills in data based on a pattern is Autofill.