Google Data Analytics Professional Certification Practice Test

What does the fill handle in a spreadsheet allow you to do?

1. Calculate formulas

2. Drag and replicate data in neighboring cells

3. Label the first row of data

4. Hide data that doesn't meet criteria

The correct answer is: Drag and replicate data in neighboring cells

The fill handle in a spreadsheet is a powerful feature that allows users to quickly replicate data or formulas in neighboring cells. When you click and drag the fill handle, usually located at the bottom right corner of a selected cell, it populates adjacent cells with a sequence, repeating the original cell's content or applying a formula based on the initial cell's input. This capability makes it particularly useful for creating consistent data patterns, such as filling in a series of dates, numbers, or even applying a formula across multiple rows or columns without manually typing or copying each cell. Other choices, while related to spreadsheet functionalities, do not accurately describe the primary function of the fill handle. For instance, calculating formulas is a separate action performed in the formula bar or within the cells themselves. Labeling the first row of data generally involves a different process and does not utilize the fill handle. Hiding data that doesn’t meet specific criteria is accomplished through filters or data manipulation features and is unrelated to the functionality of the fill handle. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the fill handle’s purpose in streamlining data entry and management in spreadsheets.