In this article, we will demonstrate how to effortlessly assign row numbers in Google Sheets using the ROW function. Just follow these steps:
Steps to Automatically Number Rows in Google Sheets
For the purpose of this demonstration, we’ve created an example data sheet. You can access it here and follow along at home.
We will utilize the Row function to assign numerical values to a dataset. In the example below, we will guide you on how to use this handy function.
1. Select an Empty Cell in Your Spreadsheet
Choose a cell adjacent to your dataset where you want the numbering sequence to begin.
In our example, we’ve highlighted cell A3.
2. Enter the Formula =ROW() [Operator] [Value]
Input the formula in the empty cell using the format of =ROW() [Operator] [Value].
Formula Breakdown:
- =ROW(): This function retrieves the row number of a specific cell.
- [Operator]: The operator can be either a plus or minus symbol (+, -) followed by a number that will increase or decrease the starting value of the row count.
- Numerical Value: This value defines the initial number of the row count.
In our example, we’ll begin our row count in the cell reference A3. We’ve used a numerical value of -2 to start the count at 1 on the third row. Our example formula is: =ROW()-2
3. Press Enter to Populate the Results
Once you’ve inputted the formula, simply press the Enter key.
The formula will execute, and the results will appear. In our example, since we selected cell A3 as the starting cell for the row count, the returned result is the number 1.
4. Click and Hold the Blue Square in the Corner of the Cell and Drag it Down to Fill the Rest of the Data Range
To apply the row count to the rest of your dataset, click the small blue square icon in the corner of the cell containing the formula.
Drag the selection to match your dataset. In our example, we dragged it from cells A3 through to A9.
The ascending numerical values will now be populated next to the rest of the dataset.
Adding an Additional Text Value to Row Numbers
1. Enter the Formula =”Text Value”&ROW() [Operator] [Value]
To include additional information in a row formula, such as a name, add the prefix before the number value enclosed in quotation marks.
Input the formula using the format of =”Text Value”&ROW() [Operator] [Value].
Formula Breakdown:
- =”Text Value”: This is the text information that will appear before the numerical row count. In our example, it will be ‘Row’.
- &ROW(): This function retrieves the row number of a specific cell.
- [Operator]: The operator can be a plus or minus symbol (+, -) followed by a number that will increase or decrease the starting value of the row count.
- [Value]: This value defines the initial number of the row count.
In our example, we added the word ‘Row’ before the numerical value:
=”Row “&ROW()-2
2. Press Enter to Populate the Results
Press the Enter key to populate the results.
In our example, the cell is now labeled as ‘Row 1’.
3. Click and Hold the Square Icon at the Corner of the Cell, Drag and Highlight the Rest of the Data Range
To implement the formula on the rest of your 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 dataset.
The text value will remain the same, but the numerical value will increase, numbering the rows accordingly.
