How do I sequentially number rows in a Pages table?

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Level 1

5 points

How do I sequentially number rows in a Pages table?

I need the first column of a Pages table to display a number for each row (not including the header row), with the sequence continuing as I add rows. If possible, I need those numbers to adjust when I delete or insert rows (as opposed to adding them at the end). Another way to say this would be, I need the first cell in each row to display a number corresponding to that row's place in the table.

A similar question was asked and answered 7 years ago, but the “Solution” refers to a source that no longer exists, and I cannot find the answer in the Pages Help. It seems like something a lot of people would want to do.

iPad Air 2 WiFi, Cellular, iOS 11.2.2

Posted on Jan 14, 2018 5:59 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Barry

Level 9

59,951 points

Jan 14, 2018 11:34 PM in response to mcombsmd

You can do this with a simple formula.

The cell in row 2 showing a 1 contains this formula:

=ROW()-1

After entering the formula in the cell and clicking the green checkmark to confirm the formula, move the mouse pointer close t the bottom edge of the cell. When the Fill Handle (yellow circle) appears, place the pointer on it, click and hold, and drag down to fill the same formula into all cells in the column (except the one in the header row).

If you then add rows (by clicking on the circle at the bottom of the row reference tabs list showing when any cell in the table is selected, the clicking the stepper controls to add or delete rows to/from the bottom of the table, the formula (and the next number) are automatically filled into the added rows.

I put some text into the rows numbered 5 and 6, then clicked on a cell in the row labeled "5" to select that row, and pressed option-down arrow to insert a row below it. As can be seen below, the formula is copied into the new (empty) row, and calculates the correct number. The formula in the rows below automatically adjust the rest of the row numbers.

Regards,

Barry

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Answer 2

Jan 14, 2018 6:24 PM in response to mcombsmd

Enter a number in the first cell.

When you click on the cell then a small yellow dot appears along one side or under, drag that across or down and it makes a sequence, normally in increments of one e.g. 2437, 2438, 2439 but it can be a number of sequences letters, days of the week, months, anything that looks like a progression.

To set a progression fill in two subsequent cells e.g. Mon, Tue, or 2, 4, 6 then select both and stretch them out.

Peter

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