3 ways to create a numbered list to keep track of to-do tasks
Resources

3 ways to create a numbered list to keep track of to-do tasks

You might create a numbered list in Excel to help organise and keep track of workplace tasks or a personal to-do list.

A hallmark of any good list is sequential numbers beside the items. They provide structure, clarity and order of importance.

There are numerous ways of generating these numbers. However, people commonly resort to the easiest methods, unaware of the repercussions that can occur.

@globalexcelsummit You might create a numbered list in Excel to help organise and keep track of workplace tasks or a personal to-do list. A hallmark of any good list is sequential numbers beside the items. They provide structure, clarity and order of importance. There are numerous ways of generating these numbers. However, people commonly resort to the easiest methods, unaware of the repercussions that can occur. Three methods are shown in the video: 1️⃣ Input 1 in A2 and 2 in A3, and then select this range and double-click on the fill handle to populate the rest of the column with the sequence. 2️⃣ Input 1 in A2 and use the formula =𝙰𝟸+𝟷 in A3 to add 1 to the cell's value above. The row number increments in each cell. 3️⃣ The formula =𝚂𝙴𝚀𝚄𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴(𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃𝙰(𝙱:𝙱)-𝟷) combines SEQUENCE with COUNTA to generate a sequence of numbers based on the quantity of cells that are not empty in column B. 1 is also subtracted to prevent the header row from being included in the count. With the first two, adding items means manually extending the number sequence, and deleting rows in the middle requires a reset. However, the last method does not have these problems, as it's a dynamic array formula, ensuring you can add new items and delete existing ones without messing up anything. #exceleration #excel #microsoftexcel #excelformulas #exceltips #globalexcelsummit ♬ original sound - globalexcelsummit

Three methods are shown in the video:

  1. Input 1 in A2 and 2 in A3, and then select this range and double-click on the fill handle to populate the rest of the column with the sequence.
  2. Input 1 in A2 and use the formula =𝙰𝟸+𝟷 in A3 to add 1 to the cell's value above. The row number increments in each cell.
  3. The formula =𝚂𝙴𝚀𝚄𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴(𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙽𝚃𝙰(𝙱:𝙱)-𝟷) combines SEQUENCE with COUNTA to generate a sequence of numbers based on the quantity of cells that are not empty in column B. 1 is also subtracted to prevent the header row from being included in the count.

With the first two, adding items means manually extending the number sequence, and deleting rows in the middle requires a reset.

However, the last method does not have these problems, as it's a dynamic array formula, ensuring you can add new items and delete existing ones without messing up anything.

On a broader note, the takeaway in all of this is don't just get the job done. Test your system and ensure it can handle all the main use cases automatically.

How do you construct your Excel to-do lists then? And were you previously aware of any of these methods? Let us know!

About the Author

Andrew is a technical writer who specialises in Microsoft Excel and data analysis. He has published hundreds of articles and social media posts aimed at helping people enhance their skills and spreading good practices.

Conversation

0 Comments

As you comment, let's keep the discussion friendly and respectful to add value to the conversation.

Thank you! Your comment has been sent!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Commenter profile pic.
Author Name
Comment Time

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere. uis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Reply
Delete
Commenter profile pic.
Author Name
Comment Time

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere. uis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Reply
Delete

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Our next event takes place in February 2025. Register your interest in attending and be the first to know when registration is live!