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How to auto number a column based on cell value on another column in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified
A screenshot showing an Excel dataset with the goal to auto number column A based on values in column B
For instance, you have a range of data in Excel, and you want to number column A based on the values in column B as below screenshot shown. Now this tutorial will tell you a formula to solve this task in Excel.
Auto number a column based on values on another column

arrow blue right bubble Auto number a column based on values on another column

Fortunately, there is a formula can quickly number a column based on values of anther column in Excel.

1. Type 1 into the first cell of the column you want to number. See screenshot:

A screenshot showing the number 1 manually typed in the first cell of the column to be auto-numbered

2. In the second cell of the column you want to number, type this formula =IF(B1:B13="Total","",COUNTIF($A$1:A1,">0")+1), and press Enter key.

A screenshot showing an Excel formula to auto number column A based on values in column B

Tip: In the above formula, B1:B13 is the column range you want to number based on, and A1 is the cell you typed 1 into, and “Total” is the value you do not want to number.

3. Then drag the autofill handle to the column range you want to number. See screenshot:

A screenshot showing column A auto-numbered based on values in column B after applying the formula

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