The fastest way to add sequential numbers in Google Sheets is to type 1 and 2 in the first two cells, select both, and drag the small blue square in the corner down the column. For a list that updates itself, use a formula instead: =SEQUENCE(10) fills 1 through 10, and =ROW()-1 numbers each row even as you add or sort data.
Quick Answer
Type 1 and 2, select both cells, and double-click or drag the fill handle. Or enter =SEQUENCE(number_of_rows) in the first cell.
Method 1: Drag the Fill Handle
- Type 1 in the first cell and 2 in the cell below it.
- Select both cells.
- Point to the small blue square in the lower-right corner of the selection.
- Drag it down as far as you need, or double-click it to fill down to the end of the data in the next column.
Want a different step? Start with 5 and 10, or 2 and 4, and Sheets continues the pattern. Starting with just one number may simply repeat it, so enter at least two to set the pattern.
Method 2: Use the SEQUENCE Function
- Click the first cell where numbers should start, such as A2.
- Type
=SEQUENCE(10)and press Enter. Sheets fills 10 rows. - Change the arguments for other patterns:
=SEQUENCE(rows, columns, start, step). For example,=SEQUENCE(5,1,100,10)gives 100, 110, 120, 130, 140.
Method 3: Number Only Rows That Have Data
- In A2, enter
=SEQUENCE(COUNTA(B2:B)). - The numbers grow automatically as you add items in column B.
To skip blank rows in between, use =IF(B2="","",COUNTA(B$2:B2)) in A2 and fill it down.
Method 4: ROW for Numbers That Follow the Row
Enter =ROW()-1 in A2 and fill down. The number always matches the row position, so it renumbers after you sort or delete rows. Change the -1 to match how many header rows you have.
Numbers With Text (IDs and Invoices)
="INV-"&TEXT(ROW()-1,"000")creates INV-001, INV-002, and so on.=ARRAYFORMULA("ID-"&SEQUENCE(20))builds 20 IDs at once.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Updates automatically? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fill handle | No (fixed values) | Quick one-time lists |
| SEQUENCE | Yes, if you change the formula | Set lengths and custom steps |
| SEQUENCE + COUNTA | Yes, as data grows | Growing lists |
| ROW() | Yes, after sorting or deleting | Row numbers that stay in order |
Need to clear extra numbered rows at the bottom? Here’s how to select all rows below a point in Google Sheets.
Troubleshooting
- #REF! error with SEQUENCE: Cells below the formula aren’t empty. Clear them so the numbers can spill.
- Dragging repeats the same number: Select two cells that show the pattern before you drag.
- Numbers change when sorting: ROW and SEQUENCE are formulas. To lock them, copy the column and use Edit > Paste special > Values only.
Adding rows in the middle of a list? See how to insert multiple rows in Google Sheets. If autofill suggestions keep popping up while you type, you can turn off autocomplete in Google Sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put 1, 2, 3, 4 in Google Sheets quickly?
Type 1 and 2, select both, and double-click the fill handle.
Can I number across a row instead of down a column?
Yes. Use =SEQUENCE(1,10) for 10 numbers across, or drag the fill handle to the right.
Summary
- Drag the fill handle for quick fixed numbers.
- Use SEQUENCE for formula-based lists.
- Use ROW() or COUNTA for numbering that updates itself.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.