One way:

Put this in your Worksheet code module (right-click the worksheet tab
and choose View Code):

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Excel.Range)
With Target
If .Count 1 Then Exit Sub
If .Column = 2 Then
With .Offset(0, -1)
If IsEmpty(.Value) Then
Application.EnableEvents = False
.Value = Application.Max(.EntireColumn) + 1
Application.EnableEvents = True
End If
End With
End If
End With
End Sub


If you're unfamiliar with macros, see David McRitchie's "Getting started
with Macros":

http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/getstarted.htm

In article ,
"crazybass2" wrote:

I'm trying to create a spreadsheet that will automatically input a new item
number when I enter a new item on a list. Easy enough, but the catch is I
want the item number to remain assoicated with the item regardless of sorting.

In the classic Excel Help file manner I will explain what I want.

Current on screen data
A\B\C
1\Oranges\52
2\Apples\34
3\Bananas\97

If I sort by column B:
A\B\C
2\Apples\34
3\Bananas\97
1\Oranges\52

Now I add another item (cherries\63) to the next available row (B5). I want
my output to look like this: (Note the number 4 is automated)
A\B\C
2\Apples\34
3\Bananas\97
1\Oranges\52
4\Cherries\63

Any ideas? I've seen lots of consecutive number ideas, but never one like
this. Please help.