How to AutoFill Ascending Numbers in Excel - 5 Quick Methods

Method 1 – AutoFill Ascending Numbers Using the Fill Handle in Excel

The ‘Fill Handle’ will be used in the sample dataset.

STEPS:

Select a cell and enter the first number manually. Here, B5 and 100.

Drag down the Fill Handle or double-click it. The ‘AutoFill Options’ will be displayed.
Select Fill Series.

The rest of the cells will be filled in ascending order.

To maintain a step value, enter the first two values and select them. Here, 100 and 105 in B5 and B6.

Use the Fill Handle to see the result.

Read More: How to AutoFill Numbers in Excel

Method 2 – Using the Fill Command to AutoFill Ascending Numbers

The autofill formula will be used here.

STEPS:

Select a cell and enter the first number.

Go to the Home tab and select Fill.
Choose Series.

Click OK.

You will see an ascending series of numbers.

To change the step value, use the ‘Series’ window.

Here, the step value is 5. You can also select the stop value. If you need a geometric ascending pattern select ‘Growth’ in the Type field.

Click OK to see the result.

Method 3 – Filling Ascending Numbers by Skipping a Row in Excel

The repeat number pattern to autofill ascending numbers will be used.

STEPS:

Enter the first number manually in the first cell. Here, 100 in B5.
Select B5 and B6.

Drag down the Fill Handle.

You will see the result.

Method 4 – AutoFilling Ascending Numbers with Formulas

4.1 Using the ROW Function

The ROW Function returns the values of a row number for a cell or range.

STEPS:

Select B5.
Enter the formula:

=ROW()

Press Enter to see the result.

Here, the ROW Function displays the row number of the cell containing the formula.

Use the Fill Handle to see the result.

To start numbering from 1, enter:

=ROW(B1)

The ROW Function displays the row number of B1.

Press Enter to see the result.

Use the Fill Handle to see the final output.

4.2 Using the OFFSET Function

The OFFSET Function returns a range that is a specified number of rows and columns from a reference cell.

STEPS:

Select B6.
Enter the formula:

=OFFSET(B6,-1,O)+1

The OFFSET Function takes the value of the previous cell and adds 1 to it. The value of B5 is 0 because it is empty.

Press Enter to see the result.

Use the Fill Handle to see the ascending numbers.

To start numbering from 5, add 5 instead of 1 in the previous formula.

=OFFSET(B6,-1,0)+5

Press Enter and drag down the Fill Handle to see the result.

NOTE: To use this formula, the cell before the one that contains the formula must be empty. Here, B5.

Read More: How to Auto Number Cells in Excel

4.3 Using the COUNTA Function

The COUNTA Function counts the number of non-blank cells in a cell range or the cell reference and can be used to autofill columns in ascending order.

STEPS: