How do I fill an excel column with consecutive numbers without typing each one separately?

Question

This might be an easy question for excel users, but I'm not familiar with excel. I typed in a book catalogue with the titles of books in column b, and left column A empty. Now I just want to enumerate the books in order from 1 to 500, with 1 being the first book, 2 the second, and so on. Can I do this with one function instead of typing 500 or more consecutive numbers, one after another?

I think all these answers will be helpful thanks. No need for more instructions. It sure was a time saver, not having to read through my excel manual that explains the hard stuff but somehow doesn't think of the 'easy' stuff! ; )

Answer 1

Yes! Type "1" in the first row of the column you want to number. While that cell is still highlighted from your typing (or just click on it to re-highlight it), you will see a tiny black square in the bottom right corner of the cell. Click on it and drag your mouseall the way down to the cell you want to see 500 appear in. It will first show all ones, but when you release the mouse button, you will see an AutoFill Options box that is blue and white at the corner of the last selected cell. Click this and choose Fill Series and you will be done!

Answer 2

Excel Column Number

Answer 3

Easy to do - just type the numeral 1 in the first cell (A1) and then click on A2 and type in the numeral 2. Enter the numeral 3 in A3.Click back on A1, highlight A1 thru A3 and move the cursor to the bottom right corner of the cell until you see a black 'plus' sign (+). Drag the cursor down the cells until you reach the last one, and you will have consecutive numerals.
You have to enter at least three cells so Excel will recognize that you are trying to create consecutive numbering.

Answer 4

Type 1 in cell A1 and click on the cell and drag to highlight the rest of the column that you need, then click Edit>Fill>Series, Make the step value 1.
Or, In cell A1 type 1, in A2 type the formula =A1+1
Highlight cell A2 and all the other cells in column A that you want numbered and click on Edit>Fill Down or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D

Answer 5

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Here is a "trick" that can save you much time. Put the value "1" in your column (let's use A). In A2 put "=A1+1". Copy A2. Press CTRL+G and type A1000 in the reference box, click OK. Press-and-hold the shift key, then tap the END key, and then tap the UP ARROW key. Paste. You are done. It sounds like a lot, but - boy! - is it fast to do.

Answer 6

One issue that I discovered is that if you are using the sort function in that column. I was having this same issue - took off the sort function and was able to sequentially drag numbers down the column.

Answer 7

This is an easy thing to do..
1st go to Cell A1 and type in 1
go to cell A2 and click on the the backwards looking 3 symbol on your toolbars called Auto Sum. While still in cell A2 click on this auto sum and a formula pops up (=SUM(A1)) you want to put in +1 after the A1 so this is what it will look like

=SUM(A1+1) HIT ENTER
and a 2 should auto populate. To get the rest of the numbers to auto fill in down your column go back to cell A2 and there is a bold box around the cell. In the bottom right corner is a square, click and drag this down and when you let go all your numbers will be there consecutively..

Answer 8

Watching tv is simpler but I love reading literature more

Answer 9

while reading a written book, you're stimulating your brain. You increase your reading and literacy skills and you also in the process, become more literate. Despite having today's modern tools, you should be in a position to read still.
While watching t.v. can be good fun, it is not doing anything to your brain.

Answer 10

If Fill handle is missing....then To display the fill handle on a selection of cells, click Options on the Tools menu, click the Edit tab, and then select the Allow cell drag and drop check box.

Answer 11

Taking Excel as an accelerated class which basically means you teach yourself. This answer was perfect and to the point. I should pay you what Im paying for the class.