You could use AutoNumbering, with a prefix, or you could use SEQ fields
(don't update automatically but can be updated with F9).

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
http://word.mvps.org

"Carl_B" wrote in message
...
We have a two column table that is constantly being updated and modified,
new
rows are added in the middle or at the end of the table. The left column
always has a numbered entry: Ref1, Ref2 Ref3, etc. The right column has
descriptive data.
If I insert a column between Ref1 and Ref2 I have to edit the numbers in
all
the rows below my new Ref2 row. Is there a way to automate this so it
updates automatically, as is done in a numbered list - also applies to
adding
a new row at the bottom.
Thanks
Carl