Auto Number Rows in a Column

[Jonah Yount]

I'm using Office / Excel XP.

How would I go about creating a column that contains the row number that
corresponds to the cell in the column and automatically inserts the next
number in the cell below into that cell? Basically, I'm wanting to create a
column of just row numbers.

For that matter, let's say I wanted a column of line numbers to start at
line 3 to number the rows to the end of the spreadsheet...

For example, if I were to start on row 3 with a row of data and I wanted
column A to show "1" on row 3, "2" on row 4, "3" on row 5...?

Is there a feature that I would need to activate or a "magic" key to press
in order to do this, or would I have to write a formula to accomplish what
I'm wanting?

 

[Frank Kabel]

Hi
enter the following in A3:
=IF(B3<>"",ROW()-2,"")
and copy this down

 

[Anders S]

For static row numbers:

One way,

- enter 1 in A3
- select A3
- hold down the Ctrl-key and drag the little black square in the bottom-right corner of A1 down as far as needed

Another way if you have a very tall sheet,
- enter 1 in A3
- select A3
- shift-click the last cell in the column
- do Edit>Fill>Series

HTH
Anders Silven