Microsoft Office 2016: The Complete Guide (2015)

HOW TO INSERT A SERIES OF NUMBERS INTO A COLUMN?

To fill a column with a series of numbers you must:

Go to the range with the cell that you wish to fill and begin inputting the value for that series. Then go to the next cell and input another value to create a pattern. Note that to achieve a numbering of pattern you must type 1 in the first cell, then 2 in the other to establish the pattern.

Next, choose the cells with those values

After you do that, pull down the fill handle to the area that you wish to number.

Excel automatically shows the pattern that is being established as you drag the fill handle. Should you desire a different pattern, simply drag the fill handle by holding down the right-click button, and then choose a pattern? Filling in increasing order can be done by dragging down or to the right. Drag up or towards the left for decreasing order. Sometimes the fill handle may not appear if it hasn’t been selected to be displayed. Whenever you add, change or delete rows the numbers will not be routinely updated. In such a case, select two numbers that appear in the correct sequence and then drag the fill handle to the bottom of the range.

How to use ROW function for numbering?

Type the function =ROW (A1) in the first cell within the range to be numbered.

Then drag the fill handle to the area that you wish to number.

The use of the ROW function adds the number that was referenced to the cell. When you sort your data with the numbers, they are automatically updated. However, when you add, change or delete rows the numbers will not be routinely updated. In such a case, select two numbers that appear in the correct sequence and then drag the fill handle to the bottom of the range. If you desire to have the numbers inserted automatically when you insert additional rows with data when you use the ROW function, then turn the range into an Excel table. The rows that are added at the bottom of the table will appear in sequence.

How show or hide the fill handle

To turn on or turn off the fill handle select the following options:

Select the File tab, and then go to Options.

Go the category labeled Advanced category, and select Editing options, then check or uncheck the Enable fill handle and cell drag-and-drop, which will either display or hide the fill handle.

To help prevent replacing existing data when you drag the fill handle, ensure the Alert before overwriting cells check box is selected