Hi - Dave here.
Happy Friday!
How can you add automatic row numbers to a list or table?
This has always been a tricky problem in Excel because there is no built-in function to create and maintain row numbers.
In the current version of Excel, the SEQUENCE function is the easiest way to create automated row numbers with a formula. In older versions of Excel, you can use a formula based on the ROW function.
However, for simple one-off numbering, you may want to use the Fill Handle, as seen below. This is a semi-automated solution, because the row numbers won't update after they are created. If you want the row numbers to update automatically, you'll want to use a formula.
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Download the workbook and read the full explanation]
Note that if you are working in an Excel Table, you can't use the SEQUENCE function because dynamic array formulas don't work in Excel Tables. However, you can use the ROW function with the INDEX function to make a nice portable formula. The article above explains all of these options in detail and includes the workbook. Click above to download the workbook and try it out yourself.
Excel formulas
We maintain a list of over 500 working formulas
here.
If you need more structure, we also offer
video training.
Have a great weekend!
Dave
