Why is my drag and fill not following the pattern?

[NAKA]

I'm trying trying to create a column of number in a pattern:
1,1,1,2,2,2,3,3,3 etc. When I use the drag and fill option to continue this
pattern, it inserts extra rows and included decimals. How do I prevent this?

 

[Teethless mama]

=INT((ROWS($1:1)-1)/3)+1

copy down as far as needed

 

[NAKA]

Dear Teethless Mama -- You are a lifesaver. Thanks so much!!

 

[Teethless mama]

You're Welcome!

Dear Teethless Mama -- You are a lifesaver. Thanks so much!!

 

[Shane Devenshire]

Hi,

Here is one solution:

=INT(ROW(3:3)/3)