Can COUNTIF do consecutive numbers by dragging the lower right corner?

[English Buffet]

I have a database of about 1000 students that attend about 8 classes a month and I am trying to create a program that counts how many times each student visits. If I use the COUNTIF function, it gives me what I want, but I have to type in very similar cells 1000 times every month. Please take a look at my example spreadsheet and I would appreciate any pointers on how I can do this.
Thank you,
Anthony Blackman
English BuffetCOUNTIF example problem.xls

[jrb]

Unless I am missng something, in G3 enter =COUNTIF($C$3:$C$20,F3) and drag down.

In J3 enter =COUNTIF($C$3:$C$20,I3) and drag down

[zeddy]

Hi

Welcome to the Lounge!
Your problems would disappear if you use this formula in cell [G3]
=COUNTIF($C:$C,F3)
..you can copy this formula down (quickest way is put the cellpointer in cell [G3], press ctrl-C, and then carefully use mouse to point to the bottom-right-corner of this selected cell where you will see the cursor change from the 'fat white cross' to a 'thin black cross' and then just double-click, this will copy the formula all the way down until it reaches an empty cell).

see attached file

zeddy

[English Buffet]

Problem solved. That helped a bunch

[zeddy]

May the fourth be with you.

zeddy

[RetiredGeek]

May the fourth be with you.

zeddy

Zeddy,

Go one better..."May the FIFTH be with you..." of course I don't know how that would translate into liters.

[zeddy]

RG
We no need no stinkin litres in UK
We still use gills, quarts.
You Americans are always takin the FIFTH
Welcome back from your road trip.

zeddy

[RetiredGeek]

Zeddy,

Thanks but not back yet just in a campground with Wi-fi. We don't plan to be back till mid July.

[zeddy]

Hi RG

Just a short holiday then.

zeddy

[rory]

It would be quicker to use a pivot table I would think.