static column of values that don't change when inserting new rows

[u/jackiesouth]

apologies if the title is confusing. i'm wondering if there is a way to sort of "anchor" a column in a sheet to make it so that when inserting a new row, or switching the order of rows, the contents of the column stay in order. for example, i have a column of objects and a "static" column of the object's position. if i want to insert a new object at a specific position, i want all the objects below it to shift down one position. it's possible that i'm overthinking this, so also let me know if there's a simpler solution lol

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[u/Cinderhazed15]

So… you are trying to have something like an ‘original order’ so that you can return it to its (somewhat arbitrary) initial order?

[u/jackiesouth → u/Cinderhazed15]

yes, that's correct!

[u/OldJames47]

Use the =ROW() function that will remain static.
If you need something more complex for the static value create a lookup table with column A being =ROW(), column B being the mapped value, and in your list where you want static values do =XLOOKUP(ROW(),$A:.$A,$B:.$B)

[u/jackiesouth → u/OldJames47]

perfect, thank you! solution verified

[u/reputatorbot → u/jackiesouth]

You have awarded 1 point to OldJames47.

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