Row Numbering - do not want to count first row
 

Hi -
My first row contains categories. The rows are numbered and I do not want
the first category row to be included in the count. Is there a way to start
the numbering on row 2 (maybe have row 1 be counted as zero)?
Thank you!

Answer: Row Numbering - do not want to count first row
 

Yes, you can start the numbering on row 2 by using a formula in a new column. Here are the steps:

1. Insert a new column to the left of the column you want to number.
2. In the first cell of the new column (B2, assuming your data starts in A1), enter the formula "=ROW()-1". This will subtract 1 from the row number, effectively starting the numbering at 1 for row 2.
3. Copy the formula down the column by selecting the cell with the formula, then dragging the fill handle (the small square in the bottom right corner of the cell) down to the last row of your data.

Now you should have a new column with the row numbers starting at 1 for row 2. You can hide the original row numbers column if you don't want to see both sets of numbers.

Not really.

You could hide those row numbers (and column letters/numbers) and use your own
column for row numbering--but I think if you do that, you're just looking for
trouble.

Most people who use excel have either already gotten used to seeing those
numbers -- or they will get used to those numbers. (I wouldn't worry about it
<bg.)

CarrieArt wrote:

Hi -
My first row contains categories. The rows are numbered and I do not want
the first category row to be included in the count. Is there a way to start
the numbering on row 2 (maybe have row 1 be counted as zero)?
Thank you!

--

Dave Peterson

You can start the numbering where ever you want for display purposes
only they will not be the actual row numbers.

A3: ROW()-2
A4: ROW()-2
---
HTH,
David McRitchie, Microsoft MVP - Excel [site changed Nov. 2001]
My Excel Pages: http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/excel.htm
Search Page: http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/search.htm

"Dave Peterson" wrote in message ...
Not really.

You could hide those row numbers (and column letters/numbers) and use your own
column for row numbering--but I think if you do that, you're just looking for
trouble.

Most people who use excel have either already gotten used to seeing those
numbers -- or they will get used to those numbers. (I wouldn't worry about it
<bg.)

CarrieArt wrote:

Hi -
My first row contains categories. The rows are numbered and I do not want
the first category row to be included in the count. Is there a way to start
the numbering on row 2 (maybe have row 1 be counted as zero)?
Thank you!

--

Dave Peterson