Give names an order rank

[Beachson]

Hola, thanks for your time in advance.

I start with a column of names (Column A) that are sorted in a particular way and I would like to get a formula that starts with the number 1 for the first name and increases by 1 everytime a name changes down the column. Essentially it would look like this ...

(A) (B)

Ben 1
Ben 1
Ben 1
Fred 2
Fred 2
Ben 3
Ben 3
Jim 4


Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Special-K99]

in B1
put 1

in B2
=IF(A2=A1,B1,B1+1)

 

[L. Howard]

In B1 enter the number 1.

In B2 enter this formula and pull down.

=IF(A2=A1,B1,B1+1)

Regards,
Howard

 

[Beachson]

So simple! I'm a little slow today I guess ... thanks for the help