Function Problems

How to Fix Excel Fill Series Not Continuing Numbers with Symbols

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to generate a numbered series combined with symbols (e.g., "1#", "2#"), but Excel only repeats the first value instead of incrementing the number.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a custom numbered list or sequence that includes special characters, text strings, or symbols.
Observed behavior: Using the Fill Handle repeats the initial alphanumeric value exactly as typed (e.g., '1#', '1#') instead of continuing the numeric sequence (e.g., '1#', '2#').

Before you start

Ensure that your calculation options are set to 'Automatic' in the Formulas tab so that any sequence-generating formulas update correctly when dragged down a column.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the ROW Formula to Concatenate Numbers and Symbols

The most reliable way to generate a sequence of numbers with symbols is to use the ROW function combined with the desired text string.

Because Excel treats numbers mixed with symbols as text strings, the standard AutoFill handle will simply copy the value. By using a formula, you can force Excel to calculate the row number and attach your symbol to it.

Select the starting cell

Click on the cell where you want your custom sequence to begin.

Enter the ROW formula

Type the formula =ROW(A1)&"#" into the cell. You can replace the "#" symbol inside the quotation marks with any character or text you need.

Apply the formula

Press Enter. The cell should now display 1#.

Drag the fill handle

Click and hold the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell, then drag it downward to instantly fill the rest of the series (2#, 3#, 4#).

Customizing the Starting Number: If you are starting your list in a cell other than row 1 (for example, in cell C5) but still want the sequence to start at 1, you should still use ROW(A1). It references the row number of A1, which is always 1.

Solution 2

Use Flash Fill for Pattern Recognition

If you already have a column with plain sequential numbers, you can teach Excel your desired text pattern using Flash Fill.

Efficient Spreadsheet Management

Create Custom Data Sequences Easily in WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides powerful data formatting tools, advanced formula support, and smart drag-and-drop features to help you generate custom numbered lists with symbols seamlessly.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your workbook.
2. Enter the sequence formula: Type your starting formula, such as =ROW(A1)&"#", in the desired cell and press Enter.
3. Use the Fill Handle: Hover over the bottom-right corner of the cell until the cursor turns into a black crosshair.
4. Generate the series: Click and drag the fill handle downwards to instantly generate your symbol-numbered series.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas like ROW, COLUMN, and TEXT.Smart fill handle to automatically detect data patterns and series increments.Built-in Flash Fill shortcut (Ctrl+E) for quick, pattern-based data transformation.Free and lightweight alternative for fast and error-free everyday spreadsheet tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel just copy the cell when I drag down a number with text?

Excel's AutoFill feature is designed to increment plain numbers or recognized standard formats (like dates or days of the week). When you combine a number with a symbol or text string (like '1#'), Excel categorizes the entire cell contents as plain text and simply copies it instead of incrementing the numeric portion.

Can I use Custom Formatting to add symbols to a numeric series?

Yes. A highly efficient alternative is to enter plain numbers (1, 2, 3), highlight the cells, and press Ctrl+1 to open Format Cells. Go to Custom, and enter 0"#" or General"#". This changes the visual display to include the symbol while keeping the underlying value as an incrementable number.

Does the ROW formula work with letters instead of symbols?

Yes, you can concatenate letters by replacing the symbol in the formula. For example, typing =ROW(A1)&"A" and dragging it down will successfully generate the sequence '1A', '2A', '3A'.

What if I want the symbol at the beginning, like '#1'?

Simply reverse the concatenation order in your formula. Type ="#"&ROW(A1) and drag it down. The spreadsheet will output '#1', '#2', '#3' dynamically.

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