There are several ways to number cells in Excel, depending on the expected result. The numbers can go in the order of numbers, in a geometric or arithmetic progression, you can number the cells one by one and with an increase in as many units as needed.
Instructions
Step 1
To number the cells in order in the format "1, 2, 3, 4 … n", select the first cell of the table and enter the first digit from which the countdown will start. Then place the mouse cursor in the lower right corner of the cell (a black cross should appear in the corner of the cell) and press the Ctrl key. Without releasing it, press the left mouse button and drag as many cells down or to the right as you need. Release the mouse button and then the Ctrl key on the keyboard.
Step 2
If you need to number cells with a gap in the format "1, 3, 5, 7 … n", put a leading digit in the first cell of the table. Then select the range of cells that should be numbered. In the main menu of the program, select the command "Edit" / "Fill" / "Progression". In the window that appears, in the "Location" block, the button indicating the selection will be set automatically (either by columns or by rows). In the "Type" block, select the type of cell numbering (for example: arithmetic). In the "Step" line, set the interval with which the numbering should occur (for example: 2). If necessary, mark the limit for the cells, at which the numbering will occur up to a certain digit. Click OK.
Step 3
In Excel, you can number cells in any format, i.e. number, skipping several of them and with a difference of several units (for example: every second, different from the previous number by five). To do this, put in the first cell the number from which the countdown will begin. Then, after the required number of cells in the required cell after the gap, write the following formula: put an equal sign, then click in the first cell with a number, type “+” on the keyboard and put the number by which you want to increase the cell number following the first. Hit Enter. Then select the range that includes the cell following the first and the second resulting number from the formula. Place the mouse cursor in the lower right corner so that a black cross appears, press the right mouse button and move it to the length of the row of numbers that you want to get. To convert formulas to numbers, select the row and right-click. Select the "Copy" command from the context menu. A dotted snake appears around the selected range. Press the right mouse button again and find the "Paste Special" command from the menu. In the window that opens, click the button opposite the word "Values". Click OK.
