Excel SEQUENCE Function

last modified April 4, 2025

The SEQUENCE function is a powerful dynamic array function in Excel that generates a sequence of numbers. It automatically spills the results into adjacent cells. This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to using the SEQUENCE function with detailed examples. You’ll learn basic syntax, practical applications, and advanced techniques to master this modern Excel function.

SEQUENCE Function Basics

The SEQUENCE function generates a list of sequential numbers in an array. It can create one-dimensional or two-dimensional sequences with control over start value and step size. The syntax is flexible for various use cases.

Component
Description


Function Name
SEQUENCE


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


Arguments
rows (required), columns, start, step


Return Value
Array of sequential numbers

This table breaks down the essential components of the SEQUENCE function. It shows the function name, basic syntax format, argument parameters, and return value characteristics.

Basic SEQUENCE Example

This example demonstrates the simplest use of the SEQUENCE function to generate a vertical list of numbers.

Basic SEQUENCE formula

=SEQUENCE(5)

This formula creates a sequence of 5 numbers starting from 1 in a single column. The result will be numbers 1 through 5 vertically. This shows the minimal required argument for SEQUENCE.

A


1


2


3


4


5

Two-Dimensional Sequence

SEQUENCE can generate a grid of numbers by specifying both rows and columns. This example creates a 3x3 matrix.

2D SEQUENCE formula

=SEQUENCE(3,3)

This formula generates a 3-row by 3-column array starting from 1. The numbers fill left to right, then top to bottom. The result is a perfect square number grid.

A
B
C


1
2
3


4
5
6


7
8
9

Sequence with Custom Start and Step

You can control the starting value and increment of the sequence. This example shows a sequence starting at 10 with steps of 5.

Custom SEQUENCE formula

=SEQUENCE(4,1,10,5)

This formula creates a 4-row, 1-column sequence starting at 10 with each subsequent number increasing by 5. The result demonstrates precise control over sequence parameters.

A


10


15


20


25

Descending Sequence

SEQUENCE can generate decreasing sequences by using a negative step value. This example counts down from 100.

Descending SEQUENCE formula

=SEQUENCE(5,1,100,-20)

This formula creates a 5-number sequence starting at 100 and decreasing by 20 each step. The negative step parameter enables reverse counting functionality.

A


100


80


60


40


20

Date Sequence

SEQUENCE works with dates since Excel stores them as numbers. This example generates a week’s dates starting from a specific day.

Date SEQUENCE formula

=SEQUENCE(7,1,DATE(2025,1,1),1)

This formula creates a 7-day sequence starting from January 1, 2025. The step of 1 represents daily increments. Format the cells as dates to display properly.

A


1/1/2025


1/2/2025


1/3/2025


1/4/2025


1/5/2025


1/6/2025


1/7/2025

Combining SEQUENCE with Other Functions

SEQUENCE becomes even more powerful when combined with other functions. This example creates a multiplication table.

Multiplication table formula

=SEQUENCE(10)*SEQUENCE(1,10)

This formula multiplies a vertical sequence (1-10) by a horizontal sequence (1-10). The result is a 10x10 multiplication table demonstrating array operations.

A
B
C
...
J


1
2
3
...
10


2
4
6
...
20


3
6
9
...
30


...
...
...
...
...


10
20
30
...
100

The SEQUENCE function revolutionizes how we generate number series in Excel. From simple lists to complex dynamic arrays, it offers precise control over sequence generation. Mastering SEQUENCE will significantly enhance your ability to work with structured data in modern Excel versions.

Author

My name is Jan Bodnar, and I am a passionate programmer with extensive programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. To date, I have authored over 1,400 articles and 8 e-books. I possess more than ten years of experience in teaching programming.

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