If cell is not blank, insert number

[NathanLedet]

I'm trying to create a formula that, based on input, will increase the number next to it.

so, if B1 has text, then A1 will say "1. "
if B2 has text, then A2 will say "2. "

thanks for any assistance

[NBVC]

Try:

=IF(B1<>"",COUNTIF($B$1:$B1,"<>")&".","")

copied down

[NathanLedet]

That works very well!

[NBVC]

This should work too.

=IF(B1<>"",COUNTA($B$1:$B1)&".","")

[NathanLedet]

Thank you.

Can you help me understand the $B$1 portion of it? what are the dollar signs for?

[NBVC]

The $ makes the cell reference absolute (i.e. it "freezes" it) so that when you copy down the formula, it always references the top of the range to be B1. The formula counts always from B1 to the current row (notice no $ in front of the 1 in the reference to the bottom of the range)...this changes as you copy down.

[NathanLedet]

Awesome, Thanks for the information