what is the simplest way to do a running number in excel

Question

what is the simplest way to do a running number on a certain column starting with 1.

Answer 1

In one cell (say A1) write 1. Then in the next cell (say A2) write two. Now select these two cells (here A1 and A2) and drag the selection to the range. You get the running number. Otherwise, if youwish to keep a formula, you can put an incrementor in the next cell that adds 1 to the value of the previous cell.

Answer 2

There are multiple possibilities. The simplest are:

1

You write in a cell 1, then put the mouse over the black square at the bottom-right corner of that cell right click and drag. When you release the mouse, choose 'Fill series' from the menu that appears.

2

You write in a cell 1, then put the mouse over the black square at the bottom-right corner of that cell, press Ctrl key and drag using the left button of the mouse.