One problem is that I have to re-sort according to different criteria
constantly. I have many other columns in the spreadsheet that I have to sort
by. So the solution would have to be one that would not be affected by the
names being ungrouped.

"Alan Beban" wrote:

Just out of curiosity, are your names grouped or ungrouped? If they are
in fact grouped, then the simplest approach first posted should be
considered.

Alan Beban

Dino wrote:
Thanks for all your input. I have to try these solutions and see what the
results are.


"Dino" wrote:


I have a spreadsheet of names, and I need to assign a unique number to each
of the names. Some entries are repeated, so each duplicate should have the
same number. The numbers assigned would be in a different column than the
names. For example, the result I need would look like this:
1 John Smith
1 John Smith
2 Carla Jones
3 Jenny Fortuna
4 James Wood
4 James Wood

and so on. Is there a formula that I can use to accomplish this, so I don't
have to go through the entire spreadsheet and type these numbers in? If
anyone can help, thanks.