How To Make Consecutive Numbers In Excel

To make consecutive numbers in Excel generally means automatically populating a sequence of numbers in a column or row in Excel. This can save time and reduce errors when working with large datasets or sequences of data that follow a specific pattern.

We have a dataset shown above consisting of a week’s tasks for a student. The tasks are currently listed, but we need to include consecutive numbers behind each one, starting from 1. For this, we have three methods. The first is by using the Fill option, the second is by dragging and the third is by using the Sequence function, The steps outlined below will show you how to use these methods.

Method 1: Fill in Numbers using the Fill option

Step 1 – Select the range of cell

Select the range of cells that you want to fill in with the number

Step 2 – Click on the Fill option

After selecting the range of cells, click on the Fill option in the Home tab and a dropdown menu will appear

Step 3 – Click on the series option

In the dropdown menu, click on the Series option and a dialog box will appear

Step 4 – Click on Column

In the dialog box, click on the Column option

Step 5 – Select Step Value

In the dialog box type 1 in the box next to the step Value option

Step 6 – Click on OK

After selecting the step value, click on OK to get the required result

Method 2: Fill in Numbers by Dragging

Step 1 – Click on the First cell

Click on the first cell of the column (that you want to be filled with numbers)

Step 2 – Drag the Cell

After selecting the cell, place the cursor at the right bottom of the cell and a double plus sign will appear
Press and hold the CTRL key and drag the cell till the required position

Method 3: Fill in Numbers using the Sequence function

In Excel, the SEQUENCE function creates an array of sequential numbers. The syntax for the SEQUENCE function is as follows:

=SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])

rows: The number of rows to be included in the array.
columns: (optional) The number of columns to be included in the array.
start: (optional) The starting value for the sequence.
step: (optional) The increment value for each subsequent number in the sequence.