Can you write a formula to Match the row id?

Lucinda Bugbee

I am trying to use the Row ID numbers for a formula but can't figure out if that is possible. Do I need a helper column?

Jason P

Hi @Lucinda Bugbee

You can’t reference the system generated Row# in formulas and as far as I know, there’s no built in helper column that supports this either.

One option, create an # Auto Number column starting the sequence at 1 on Row 1. Enter data in a cell on this row and save the sheet, other rows will automatically populate with correct row numbers.

However.. and here’s the but… New rows are added at the top of the sheet, the original Row 1 could become Row 51 if you already had 50 rows so the numbering wont reflect the current visible position in the sheet.

Not what you were hoping for but if a formula guru can fix this! your problem solved…

Good luck

Paul Newcome

@Jason P To get the actual row number on each row regardless of sorting, adding, deleting, you would use the auto-number column as you described but then insert a text/number column wiht this column formula:

=MATCH(Auto@row, Auto:Auto, 0)

Just be sure to update Auto to whatever you called your auto-number column.

@Lucinda Bugbee The only ways to get the built in row id on each row is to use the API, the premium add-on Bridge, or some other similar third party app.

Paula Grahame

I would make the column just be =Row ID formula.
Then it's still the exact same information and you can use that column in the formula you're looking to build.