Math & Trig

SEQUENCE Function in Excel

Generates a list of sequential numbers in an array.

Syntax

  • =SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])

Arguments

  • rows (required): Number of rows to return
  • columns (optional): Number of columns (default 1)
  • start (optional): Starting number (default 1)
  • step (optional): Increment (default 1)

Examples

  • =SEQUENCE(5) - Numbers 1-5 - Result: 1,2,3,4,5
  • =SEQUENCE(3, 3, 0, 2) - 3x3 even numbers - Result: 0,2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16

Excel SEQUENCE function documentation

  • SEQUENCE generates an array of sequential numbers in rows, columns, or a 2D grid.
  • Syntax: =SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step]). Microsoft 365 dynamic array function.
  • Replaces manual fill-down for period counters, index columns, and amortization row numbers.
  • Related: [ROW](/functions/row/), [LET](/functions/let/), [LAMBDA](/functions/lambda/), [MAP](/functions/map/).

SEQUENCE syntax and arguments

  • rows (required): how many rows in the spilled grid.
  • columns (optional): default 1 — set >1 for 2D sequence tables.
  • start (optional): first number — default 1; use 0 for zero-based indexes.
  • step (optional): increment — default 1; use -1 for countdown sequences.

Step-by-step: month counter for 12-row model

  • Step 1 — Need periods 1–12 in column D without manual typing.
  • Step 2 — =SEQUENCE(12) spills 1 through 12.
  • Step 3 — Calendar months: =SEQUENCE(12, 1, 1, 1) with label column =EDATE(start, D2-1).
  • Step 4 — Pair with [PMT](/functions/pmt/) amortization schedules.
  • Step 5 — Lock spill destination — clear blocked cells below.

SEQUENCE vs manual fill vs ROW trick

  • SEQUENCE — one formula; parametric length from cell =SEQUENCE(B1).
  • Fill handle — manual; breaks when row count changes.
  • =ROW(A1:A12)-ROW(A1)+1 — legacy array; SEQUENCE is clearer in M365.
  • Combine: =SEQUENCE(ROWS(data)) matches data height dynamically.

Worked examples to copy

  • 1 to N: =SEQUENCE(24) for 24 periods.
  • Zero-based index: =SEQUENCE(10, 1, 0, 1).
  • 2D grid: =SEQUENCE(5, 4) creates 5×4 numbered matrix.
  • Dynamic N from cell: =SEQUENCE(A1) when A1 holds row count.

People also ask

  • SEQUENCE Excel version? — Microsoft 365 / Excel 2021 dynamic arrays.
  • SEQUENCE with step 2? — =SEQUENCE(5, 1, 10, 2) → 10,12,14,16,18.
  • SEQUENCE replace row numbers? — Yes for model period indexes.
  • SEQUENCE #SPILL!? — Destination range not empty.

Common errors

  • Requires Excel 365 or Excel 2021

Use cases

  • Generate number series
  • Create arrays
  • Dynamic ranges

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I generate a list of dates? Use SEQUENCE with a start date: =SEQUENCE(30, 1, DATE(2024,1,1), 1) generates 30 consecutive dates starting Jan 1, 2024. For weekdays only, combine with WORKDAY: =WORKDAY(DATE(2024,1,1)-1, SEQUENCE(20)).
  • How do I create a multiplication table? Use =SEQUENCE(10, 1) * SEQUENCE(1, 10) to create a 10x10 multiplication table. The first SEQUENCE creates rows 1-10, the second creates columns 1-10, and multiplying them gives the product at each intersection.
  • How do I generate a countdown or reverse sequence? Use negative step: =SEQUENCE(10, 1, 10, -1) counts down from 10 to 1. Or =SEQUENCE(5, 1, 100, -10) gives 100, 90, 80, 70, 60. The step parameter controls direction and increment.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.

When to use SEQUENCE

  • Generate number series — common Math & Trig scenario for SEQUENCE.
  • Create arrays — common Math & Trig scenario for SEQUENCE.
  • Dynamic ranges — common Math & Trig scenario for SEQUENCE.

SEQUENCE in the Math & Trig category

  • Browse all Math & Trig functions at /categories/math-trig/ for related formulas.
  • SEQUENCE syntax: =SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])
  • rows (required): Number of rows to return
  • columns (optional): Number of columns (default 1)
  • start (optional): Starting number (default 1)
  • step (optional): Increment (default 1)
  • Confirm SEQUENCE arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm SEQUENCE arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • ROW (/functions/row/): Returns the row number of a reference.
  • COLUMN (/functions/column/): Returns the column number of a reference.
  • RANDARRAY (/functions/randarray/): Returns an array of random numbers.

Errors to watch for

  • Requires Excel 365 or Excel 2021 — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter SEQUENCE on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

SEQUENCE worked examples to copy

  • =SEQUENCE(5) — Numbers 1-5. Expected result: 1,2,3,4,5.
  • =SEQUENCE(3, 3, 0, 2) — 3x3 even numbers. Expected result: 0,2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16.

SEQUENCE reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • SEQUENCE belongs to the Math & Trig category in Excel. Generates a list of sequential numbers in an array.
  • Full syntax: =SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step]). Open /functions/sequence/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: Requires Excel 365 or Excel 2021
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.