How can I create a column to numerically order all the items?

Question

As a first time user of Numbers, I created a table of info which I imported from Address book.
Everything looks good.
I would like to be able to see how many addresses I have on the table.
I looked at the Numbers 08 manual, and went to Preferences, then Auto correction, then -automatically detect lists.
The manual says to choose something on Table Inspector- but I couldn't find it.
I did choose - have Press Return to automatically move to next cell.
I created a column before the first column on my table ( which was last name) and typed 1.
I thought that when I pressed return it would automatically type in 2 and 3 and so on.
But I guess I missed a step.
Any suggestion?

Answer 1

Hi Rosie,
It's not clear whether you want to Number the names or Count the names. I'll give you the solution for each.
To number the entries, begin as you have done, typing a "1" in the first cell, and hitting Return. Then type a "2" in the second cell. Now select both cells and grab the little circle in the lower right corner of the selection rectangle, pulling it down to continue the sequence that you have begun typing.
To count the number of entries without numbing them, here is one pretty easy way...
Click on the column label over the last names, which will select the entire column. Then click on the Function Icon on the Toolbar and select Count. This will insert a Footer Row in your Table, and will display the number "0". The zero count is because you have no numbers values in the column. To edit the function to display the count of text items, Names, we need to edit the Function from COUNT to COUNTA. Just click on the footer cell to select it, then click in the Formula Bar, just above the Column Labels, and place your text cursor behind the "T" in COUNT and type an "A". Then hit Return. Now your new footer cell will show your count of names.
Post back if you have questions.
Jerry