Overview for Make Patterned Data

Use Make Patterned Data to generate repeating sequences of numbers, text values, or date/time values. You can repeat a sequence of equally-spaced numbers or date/time values, unequally-spaced numbers or date/time values, or text values.

For example, a quality engineer wants to measure parts from three machines, at two temperatures, during every work shift for a week. The engineer generates columns of patterned data for the machine ID, temperature setting, and work shift.

C1	C2	C3-T
Machine	Temperature	Shift
1	150	First
1	275	First
2	150	First
2	275	First
3	150	First
3	275	First
1	150	Second
1	275	Second
2	150	Second
...	...	...

Where to find these commands

To generate patterned data, choose one of the following:

Calc > Make Patterned Data > Simple Set of Numbers
Calc > Make Patterned Data > Arbitrary Set of Numbers
Calc > Make Patterned Data > Text Values
Calc > Make Patterned Data > Simple Set of Date/Time Values
Calc > Make Patterned Data > Arbitrary Set of Date/Time Values

When to use an alternate command

If you want to generate random data, use Calc > Random Data.

You can create repeating sequences of values in a column with Autofill. Autofill is the quickest method of creating patterned data. For more information, go to Enter data quickly by using Autofill.