Auto-number column

nlenehan

Hi,

I added an auto-numbering column to an already-populated sheet a few weeks back. When a new row is added via a form it's started at 1.

Could you provide pointers on how the I can configure the column to take account of existing rows and how the numbering would continue? (Right now I've got two rows with "1".)

Thanks, Nichola

SoS | Dan Palenchar

Did you add the system auto number column, or did you add a text column that has a formula in it?

System auto number, by definition, cannot have the same number twice. They keep a record of the number of rows ever created in the sheet. If you add 10 rows you'll have 1-10. If you delete any rows, the next one will still be 11. You can "reset" the numbering by deleting the column, saving, and adding it again.

nlenehan

That's what struck me as strange - it was a system auto number.

I've deleted the column, saved and re-added it and it works now.

pcohen

Deleting and re-adding the column isn't working for me, it still continues adding numbers from the last numbering system. Is there a way to have the numbers begin at 0001 again? Looking forward to your reply

Andrée Starå

Hi @pcohen

I hope you're well and safe!

Try this.

1. Change the column properties from Auto-Number/System... to Text/Number
2. Save
3. Delete the numbers you don't want
4. Save
5. Delete the rows with the numbers you deleted
6. Save
7. Change the column back to Auto Number and change the Starting Number to the number you'd like the next added row to be
8. Save
9. Add a new row
10. Save and watch the magic happen

Did that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Have a fantastic week & Happy New Year!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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jones83

I would like to add a auto number column to an already started sheet but the numbers are beginning at the newest entry rather than the oldest. Is there a way of getting the numbers to begin with the oldest entry?

Andrée Starå

Hi @jones83

I hope you're well and safe!

Unfortunately, as far as I know, it's not possible now, but it's an excellent idea!

Please submit this as a Product Feedback or Idea (If it hasn't been added already) when you have a moment.

I hope that helps!

Be safe, and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it Insightful/Vote Up, Awesome, or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!