Its a very simple solution to a very simple problem. If you don’t use Google Spreadsheet regularly then you might have faced this problem. Recently I was working on a google spreadsheet and I was filling some data. I entered list of items and then wanted to number them.

Just created a new column and tried to drag it down, but same digit was getting copied instead of increasing number.
Tried different combinations while dragging like pressing control key, alt key, shift key.. but still I was not able to do that.

Then thought of doing it with simple formula.

This is a very simple useful tip for those who are not much acquainted with Google Spreadsheet Excel File. Because in Microsoft Excel we can drag numbers and increase them easily but when it comes with Google Excel same doesn’t work, so we can write a simple formula and increase numbers by dragging in Google Spreadsheet.

Steps to Create incremental numbers in Google Spreadsheet Excel File

Enter any first digit (eg. 1) in cell A2.

Google Spreadsheet Drag & Increment Numbers
Google Spreadsheet Drag & Increment Numbers

Then in cell A3 we write this formula =A2+1 and press enter.

Google Spreadsheet Drag and Increase Numbers
Google Spreadsheet Drag and Increase Numbers

Then now start dragging this cell down.

Drag numbers in Google Excel Spreadsheet to Increment Numbers.
Drag numbers in Google Excel Spreadsheet to Increment Numbers.

Once you leave dragging it shows count in increasing order. from 1, 2, 3… and so on.

Google Excel Spreadsheet Drag Numbers with Formula to Increment.
Google Excel Spreadsheet Drag Numbers with Formula to Increment.

If you think that this might be helpful to some of your friends, then do share this with them.