Are you tired of manually numbering rows in Google Sheets? In this article, I’ll show you how to skip blank rows and achieve sequential numbering effortlessly. Say goodbye to the hassle and hello to efficiency!
Auto Row Numbering in Google Sheets
To begin, let’s explore two functions in Google Sheets that can help with auto row numbering: Row and Sequence. The Row function returns row numbers, which can be used as sequential numbers. On the other hand, the Sequence function directly generates sequential numbers. Both functions have their merits, but Sequence offers more flexibility by allowing the generation of sequential numbers in multiple columns.
Consider the following formulas: =sequence(10,1) and =ArrayFormula(row(A1:A10)). Both of these would return the numbers 1 to 10 in a column. However, Sequence excels when it comes to generating sequential numbers in multiple columns.
In this tutorial, we’ll focus on conditional sequential numbering in Google Sheets. We’ll explore how to insert sequential numbers in rows based on conditions such as skipping blank rows or rows with ticked checkboxes.
Example #1: Skip Blank Rows in Auto Row Numbering
Let’s start with a practical example. Imagine you have a spreadsheet with blank rows, and you want to generate sequential numbers but skip the blank rows. To accomplish this, we’ll use array formulas.
Simply input the following formula in cell A1, and voila! The auto row numbering part will take care of the rest:
={"Sr. No.";ArrayFormula(ifna(vlookup(row(B2:B),{filter(row(B2:B),B2:B<>""),sequence(counta(B2:B),1)},2,0)))}Let’s break down the formula:
Step #1:
Begin by counting the number of rows with values (non-blank rows), excluding the header row. The formula =counta(B2:B) accomplishes this. For instance, if there are no blank rows, this formula will return 8 (which is the value we’ll use in the next step for auto-numbering).
Step #2:
Using the count from the previous step as the ‘rows’ parameter, input 1 as the ‘columns’ parameter in the Sequence function. This will generate sequential numbers from 1 to 8. The formula should look like this: =sequence(counta(B2:B),1)
Step #3:
To obtain the row numbers of the non-blank rows, you can use the Filter function. Filter the row numbers and exclude the blank rows. Any column reference will work for this step. The formula should be: =filter(row(B2:B),B2:B<>"")
Step #4:
Now, here’s where it all comes together. Using the row numbers as search keys and combining them with the second and third steps’ formulas, we can use the Vlookup function to return the corresponding sequential numbers.
vlookup(row numbers 2 to n,
{step#3 formula,step#2 formula},
2,0)By following this explanation, you can understand the final formula in cell A1. Feel free to scroll up and review it.
This way, we can easily skip blank rows in sequential numbering in Google Sheets. Say goodbye to tedious manual numbering!
It’s important to note that blank rows serve as the condition in the advanced auto row numbering in Google Sheets. But what about other conditions? Let’s explore further.
Conditional Auto Sequential Numbering in Google Sheets
Here’s another example to illustrate how conditional sequential numbering works. In this case, we’ll insert row numbers based on conditions using the values in column C. For instance, we can skip rows where the checkbox is ticked (which is represented by a False value).
To achieve this, input the following formula in cell A1:
={"Sr. No.";ArrayFormula(ifna(vlookup(row(B2:B),{filter(row(B2:B),(C2:C=false)*(C2:C<>"")),sequence(countif(C2:C,false),1)},2,0)))}This formula works similarly to the previous example, with a few differences in the conditions used.
Step #1:
Count the number of rows that contain False values (unchecked checkboxes) using the formula =countif(C2:C,false).
Step #2:
Generate sequential numbers by using the count from Step #1 as the ‘rows’ parameter in the Sequence function. The formula remains the same as before: =sequence(countif(C2:C,false),1)
Step #3:
Filter the row numbers based on the condition that the values in column C are False and not blank. Note that Filter treats blank cells as False. Use the formula =filter(row(B2:B),(C2:C=false)*(C2:C<>"")).
Step #4:
Apply the Vlookup function to return the corresponding sequential numbers based on the row numbers and the formulas from Steps #2 and #3.
vlookup(row numbers 2 to n,
{step#3 formula,step#2 formula},
2,0)By following these steps, you’ll achieve conditional sequential numbering in Google Sheets. Now, you can customize your numbering based on various conditions, making your workflow more efficient.
This tutorial has shown you how to skip blank rows and conditionally number rows in Google Sheets. Now go ahead and apply these techniques to your own spreadsheets, saving yourself time and effort.
For more helpful tips and tricks, check out Crawlan.com. Your go-to resource for all things Google Sheets!
Imagine the possibilities when you harness the power of Google Sheets. Say goodbye to manual numbering and hello to efficient workflows with these advanced techniques. Happy numbering!
