Excel: Auto-Number Rows in Seconds

Key insights

• Fill Handle: Enter the first two numbers (for example 1 and 2), select both cells and drag the small square at the corner to auto-fill the sequence.
  Best for small to medium lists and quick manual edits without formulas.
• Fill Series: Use Home → Fill → Series to set the start, step and stop values and fill large ranges instantly.
  This method fills thousands of rows fast and avoids slow manual dragging.
• ROW() in Tables: Put a simple ROW()-based formula in an Excel Table column to auto-number entries.
  The numbers update automatically when you add, remove, or sort rows, so the list stays accurate.
• SEQUENCE() Function: Use SEQUENCE(n) to generate a dynamic array of numbers (for example =SEQUENCE(100)).
  This works especially well in modern Excel (Excel 365) and recalculates as your range changes.
• When to Choose Each Method: Use the Fill Handle for quick manual fills, Fill Series for very large static ranges, ROW() in Tables for dynamic auto-numbering, and SEQUENCE() for flexible dynamic arrays.
  Match the method to dataset size and whether numbers must update automatically.
• Best Practices: Format your data as an Excel Table for reliable dynamic numbering, keep numbering formulas in one column, and convert to values if you need a static sequence.
  These no-code methods are fast, simple, and avoid the need for VBA.

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