Hi mevans

If you want your numbers to start in row2, then use Col A as a helper
column, where you can insert the number you want, or you can use a formula to
autonumber the rows. In Col B insert the following formula, starting at Row
2, and copy down:

=IF(A2="","",IF(A2<10,"0000"&A2,IF(A2<100,"000"&A2 ,IF(A2<1000,"00"&A1if(A2<10000,"0"&A2,A2)))))

If you want the rows to autonumber, then insert the following formula in A3,
and copy down:

=IF(AND(A2="",C3=""),"",IF(C3="","",A2+1))

What will happen, is that the moment you enter something in Col C, Col's A
and B will immediately show the next number, complete with zeroes in Col B.

You can then hide Col A, as it is of no value further
--
ve_2nd_at. Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa


"mevans" wrote:

I work at a lawfirm and we use a stamp to number our exhibits. It takes
forever. I found some small stickers to print the exhibit numbers on, but I
am unable to figure out a time saving method to create the numbers needed. I
am using Excel to do this but with the format we are trying to use (i.e.
00001), because of all the zeros when I try to make an equation to copy and
paste in the column it will hide the zeros. Unfortunetly the zeros are
important. So I guess my question is: how do I create a formula that will
allow the zeros to be shown?