How can you apply a formula to an entire column in a spreadsheet?

Applying a formula to an entire column in a spreadsheet can be efficiently accomplished by using the fill handle. Once you enter the desired formula in the first cell of the column, you can click and drag the small square at the bottom-right corner of that cell, known as the fill handle, down the column. This action duplicates the formula while automatically adjusting the cell references based on their relative positions.

This method is particularly useful because it saves time and reduces the potential for errors that may occur when manually entering the formula in each cell or copying and pasting it. By dragging the fill handle, you ensure that each subsequent cell receives the correct calculation that corresponds to its row, streamlining the process of filling large areas with formulas.