Roman list
Location on ribbon: Tab DVD Addin → Group Text and Number → Menu Numbered list
Command ID: btnRomanList
What it does
Prefixes the selected cells with Roman numerals (I., II., III., …). A single counter runs across the whole selection in row-major order, so a long column of headings is numbered continuously instead of restarting in each block.
In construction paperwork, Roman numerals are the usual marker for the top level: parts I, II, III of a bill of quantities, a cost estimate or an acceptance record. Before writing, the command strips any previous list prefix (1., I., A., a.), so you can click it repeatedly without stacking numbers.
How to use
- Select the cells you want numbered (one column or several).
- Go to tab DVD Addin → group Text and Number → open the Numbered list menu → click Roman list.
- The command runs immediately — no dialog appears.
- Check the Excel status bar for a message such as "Numbered N lines across M cells".
How each cell is handled:
- Text cell: every line inside the cell (Alt+Enter breaks) gets its own number.
- Empty cell: only the prefix is written, e.g.
I., ready for you to type. - Formula cell: the formula is wrapped as
=""&"I. "&(original formula)— the number shows in the result while the formula stays live. - Numeric, date and TRUE/FALSE cells are skipped entirely.
Example
The work-item column of a summary bill of quantities:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Earthworks | I. Earthworks |
| Concrete works | II. Concrete works |
| Reinforcement works | III. Reinforcement works |
| Formwork | IV. Formwork |
Notes
- Value cells are forced to Text format (
@) before writing so that "I." is not reinterpreted as a date. - Hidden rows and columns inside the selection are skipped; a merged area counts once and the number lands in its top-left cell.
- The counter only advances after a successful write, so a locked or failed cell never leaves a gap in the sequence.
- Numbers above 3999 fall back to plain digits instead of Roman characters.
- Results are written straight into the cells — use (None) in the same menu to remove them rather than relying on Ctrl+Z.
Related
- Number list — same engine, writing 1., 2., 3. for lower-level items.
- Upper letters list — the A., B., C. level that usually sits under Roman parts.
- Multilevel 1.1.1 — hierarchical numbering driven by each cell's indent level.
- Roman — fills a standalone Roman-numeral sequence.