In this article we will show how to automatically number rows in Google Sheets in just a few clicks using the ROW function. Simply follow the steps below:
For the purpose of this demonstration an example data sheet was created. Click here to access it and follow along at home.
We will use the Row function to apply numerical values to a dataset. In the below example we will show you how to use this helpful function.
Select a cell next to your dataset where you want the numbering sequence to begin.
In our example we have highlighted cell A3.
In the empty cell input the formula in the format of =ROW() [Operator] [Value]
Formula Breakdown:
=ROW(): This function returns the row number of a specific cell
[Operator]: The operator takes the form of either a plus or minus symbol (+, -) followed by a number that will increase or decrease the start value of the row count.
Numerical Value: This value will define what the start number of the row count will be.
In our example we will begin our row count in the cell reference A3. We have input a numerical value of -2 to begin the count at 1 on the third row. Our example formula is:
=ROW()-2
With the formula inputted, simply press the Enter key.
The formula will run and the results will populate. In our example we selected cell A3 as the start cell for the row count, the returned result is the number 1.
To implement the row count on the rest of a dataset, click the small blue square icon in the corner of the cell containing the formula.
Drag the selection to match your dataset. For the example below dragged from cells A3 through to A9.
The ascending numerical values have now been populated next to the rest of the dataset.
To add additional information to a row formula such as a name, add the prefix before the number value contained in quotation marks.
Input the formula in the format of =“Text Value”ROW()[Operator] [Value]
Formula Breakdown:
=Text Value: This is the text information that will be present before the numerical row count, in our example this will be ‘Row’
&ROW(): This function returns the row number of a specific cell
[Operator]: The operator takes the form of a plus or minus symbol (+, -) followed by a number that will increase or decrease the start value of the row count.
[Value]: This value will define what the start number of the row count will be.
In our example below we have added the word ‘Row’ to generate before the numerical value:
="Row "&ROW()-2
Press the Enter key. The results will populate.
In our example below, the cell is now designated as ‘Row 1’.
To implement the formula on the rest of the dataset, click the small blue square icon in the corner of the cell containing the formula. Hold and drag this selection over the rest of your data set.
The text value will remain the same but the numerical value will increase, numbering the rows accordingly.
We hope this article has helped you and given you a better understanding of how to number rows in Google Sheets.
You might also like our articles on how to move a row in Google Sheets and how to create a pivot table. On a side note, we also recommend reading our guide on how to get our free Google Sheets email list template to optimize your workflow better.
