SEQUENCE
Math & Trig
Generates a list of sequential numbers in an array.
Translations
EnglishSEQUENCE
FrenchSEQUENCE
SpanishSECUENCIA
GermanSEQUENZ
ItalianSEQUENZA
PortugueseSEQUÊNCIA
DutchREEKS
PolishSEKWENCJA
RussianПОСЛЕДОВ
TurkishDİZİ
CzechSEQUENCE
HungarianSOROZAT
SwedishSEKVENS
DanishSEKVENS
FinnishSARJASEKVENSSI
Syntax
SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])Arguments
rowsNumber of rowscolumnsNumber of columns (default 1)(optional)startStarting number (default 1)(optional)stepIncrement (default 1)(optional)
Examples
=SEQUENCE(5)1,2,3,4,5
Numbers 1 to 5
=SEQUENCE(3,3)3x3 grid
Matrix of 1-9
=SEQUENCE(10,1,0,0.1)0 to 0.9
Decimal sequence
Tips & Best Practices
- •Excel 365 and 2021 only
- •Great with other dynamic array functions
- •Negative step counts backwards
Common Mistakes
- •Forgetting that SEQUENCE returns a spilled array, so existing content in the cells where the sequence needs to expand blocks the spill and triggers a #SPILL! error
- •Mixing up the rows and columns arguments, producing a sequence laid out in the wrong direction - rows comes first, controlling vertical length, and columns second, controlling horizontal width
- •Not realizing the step argument can be negative or fractional, so a descending or non-integer sequence is entirely possible even though the default step of 1 suggests only simple counting
Related Functions
RANDARRAYGenerates an array of random numbers using a similar spilled-array structure to SEQUENCE, but with unpredictable rather than evenly spaced values.ROWCan be used inside older formulas to simulate a simple ascending sequence before dynamic arrays existed.SORTSometimes applied to SEQUENCE's output when a randomized or reordered version of a numeric sequence is needed.Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SEQUENCE show a #SPILL! error?
One of the cells where the sequence needs to expand into is already occupied. Clear the surrounding cells so the full array has room to spill.
Can SEQUENCE count backward?
Yes, use a negative step argument, like SEQUENCE(5,1,10,-1), which produces 10, 9, 8, 7, 6.
In what order do the rows and columns arguments go?
Rows comes first and controls how many values appear vertically, columns comes second and controls how many appear horizontally.
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