ROW
Returns the row number of a reference.
ROW([reference])Arguments
referenceThe cell to get the row number of(optional)
=ROW()Returns row number of the formula
=ROW(A5)Returns 5 for cell A5
=ROW()-1Useful for numbered lists
- •Without argument, returns current row
- •Great for creating sequential numbers
- •Use in conditional formatting for alternating rows
- •Confusing ROW (which returns a row number) with ROWS (which counts how many rows are in a range) - the names are similar but they answer completely different questions
- •Using ROW() without an argument inside a formula that then gets copied to a different starting row, forgetting that it always reflects the current cell's row, which changes on every copy
- •Relying on ROW(reference) to auto-number a list, then having the numbering break after rows get inserted or deleted, since ROW recalculates based on new positions automatically - not always the desired behavior
What's the difference between ROW and ROWS?
ROW(reference) returns the row number of a single cell or the first row of a range. ROWS(range) returns the count of how many rows are in a range. One gives a position, the other gives a count.
How do I number a list automatically using ROW?
ROW()-ROW($A$1)+1 in the first row of your list, copied down, gives 1, 2, 3... regardless of which actual row the list starts on.
Does ROW() change when I copy the formula to a different row?
Yes, ROW() without an argument always reflects the row of the cell containing the formula itself, so it updates with every copy.
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