Can you create a column of new numbers?

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Level 3

579 points

Can you create a column of new numbers?

The normal procedure to copy information already in a cell to all the adjacent cells - or cells - below .. is to grab that little yellow dot at the bottom of the cell and drag it downwards or sidewards

My question is: if you put the number 1 in a cell at the top of a column, is it possible to create a column of numbers underneath ( which are different to the extreme left standard cell numbers) - but in their own sequence but without have to input them manually as I have done.

It would be so much quicker if you could create a whole column of numbers very quickly ( and the the purpose of this is to be able to re- order the whole spreadsheet by choosing a dedicated column 'Sort Ascending - Sort Descending'

MacBook Pro Retina (2015 and later)

Posted on Jan 23, 2019 5:32 AM

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Answer 1

SGIII

Level 8

37,604 points

Jan 23, 2019 8:12 AM in response to musicspirit

If you're keyboard-oriented you could do something like this.

Enter the formula +1:

Type command-c to copy the formula to the clipboard.

Hit shift-command-down arrow to select all the cells below

command-v to paste:

Then "remove the formulas: by:

Command c to copy.

Edit > Paste Formula Results (or shift-command-v)

SG

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Answer 2

Jan 23, 2019 7:24 AM in response to musicspirit

to establish a pattern for Numbers to follow, you can do something like this:

In the table on the right (named "Setup") enter information as shown

For the table on the left (named "Data") use the following formula:

A1=Setup::$B$1+(ROW()−1)×Setup::$B$2

this is shorthand for.... select cell A1, then type (or copy and paste from here) the formula:

=Setup::$B$1+(ROW()−1)×Setup::$B$2

select cell A1, copy

select column A, paste

change the Start and Step values in the table "Setup" as needed

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Answer 3

musicspirit Author

Level 3

579 points

Jan 23, 2019 8:02 AM in response to musicspirit

Thank you for your detailed reply - it is pretty advanced for my knowledge of Numbers .. and I tried cutting and pasting the formula into a cell but got the red exclamation mark.

I dont understand why you need two tables? Also where does the other table go? Do I duplicate the Sheet?

Is there not a more simple way of getting the cells in a column below a given number to just add 1 each time.. with a click drag combination of key modifiers?

I am afraid I dont begin to understand the principle of what you are suggesting although I am sure it works if someone with your advanced knowledge suggests it.

I really appreciate your input dont get me wrong :)

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Answer 4

jaxjason

Level 5

5,063 points

Jan 24, 2019 11:03 AM in response to musicspirit

The simplest method is to type in the first two cells, select those cells and then fill down.

Numbers should autodetect the simple pattern an continue it.

i.e. Type 1 in Cell B2, then 2 in B3. Select B2 through B3 and fill down.

no formulas necessary

this also works for other number patterns like even, or even count by 21.

Type two numbers in two cells, select, fill.

I just tried it on my ipad and it works fine, should be fine on desktop too.

Jason

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Can you create a column of new numbers?

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