Skip to main content

Automating increments

  • October 19, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 110 views
M

Hi,

I have been trying to figure out how to increment a number upon adding a new line.

For example,

Line 1 = A0001
Line 2 = A0002
Line 3 = A0003

I understand that the function of auto-number helps but i would like the characters in the front and wanted to see if there was a more efficient way than manually inputting this every line.

Thank you.

2 replies

Dimitris_Goudis
Forum|alt.badge.img+20

Hi @Matthew_Chua,

welcome to Airtable community!

To do your process my recommendation is to apply the following steps:

  1. Create an autonumber field {autonumber}
  2. Create a formula field by where you have to calculate the length of the autonumber
LEN(CONCATENATE(autonumber,""))

The step 2 will convert the number value in to text so you can count the length by the Len() function. You need this because your serial number has 4 numerical digits
3. Create a formula that will generate the serial number based n the length of the autonumber. For better system efficiency I recommend to use SWITCH() formula:

SWITCH(number_length,1,"A000"&autonumber,2,"A00"&autonumber,3,"A0"&autonumber,4,"A"&autonumber)

Please try this and text us back if it worked :slightly_smiling_face:

Thanks.
Dimitris Goudis

P
Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Petrowatch
  • Participating Frequently
  • June 3, 2023

Hi @Matthew_Chua,

welcome to Airtable community!

To do your process my recommendation is to apply the following steps:

  1. Create an autonumber field {autonumber}
  2. Create a formula field by where you have to calculate the length of the autonumber
LEN(CONCATENATE(autonumber,""))

The step 2 will convert the number value in to text so you can count the length by the Len() function. You need this because your serial number has 4 numerical digits
3. Create a formula that will generate the serial number based n the length of the autonumber. For better system efficiency I recommend to use SWITCH() formula:

SWITCH(number_length,1,"A000"&autonumber,2,"A00"&autonumber,3,"A0"&autonumber,4,"A"&autonumber)

Please try this and text us back if it worked :slightly_smiling_face:

Thanks.
Dimitris Goudis


Doesnt work, any more suggestions?

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement