SEQUENCE Function

The Excel SEQUENCE function generates a list of numbers: down a column, across a row, or as a grid. Combine it with dates and text to build lists that would otherwise take a lot of typing.

fx=SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])
PurposeGenerate a list of numbers
ReturnsAn array that spills
Available inExcel 2021, 2024, 365, Excel for the web, Google Sheets
rows How many rows of numbers.
columns optional How many columns. Default is 1.
start optional The first number. Default is 1.
step optional How much each number increases by. Default is 1.

Basic example

Give SEQUENCE a number of rows and it counts from 1:

=SEQUENCE(5)
Excel SEQUENCE returning the numbers 1 to 5 down a column

One formula in B3 fills 1 to 5 down the column. Change 5 to 100 and you get 100 rows.

A grid with a start and step

Add columns, a start and a step. This builds 4 rows by 3 columns, starting at 10 and going up by 10:

=SEQUENCE(4,3,10,10)
Excel SEQUENCE building a 4 by 3 grid from 10 to 120 in steps of 10

The numbers fill across each row first: 10, 20, 30, then 40, 50, 60, up to 120.

A list of dates

Dates are numbers, so a date can be the start. This lists 7 days from the date in B3:

=SEQUENCE(7,1,B3)
Excel SEQUENCE listing seven dates from a start date

The list runs from 05-Oct-2026 to 11-Oct-2026. Format the spill as dates. Use a step of 7 to get one date per week.

Month names

SEQUENCE(12) gives the month numbers 1 to 12. DATE turns them into dates, and TEXT into names:

=TEXT(DATE(2026,SEQUENCE(12),1),"mmm")
Excel TEXT DATE and SEQUENCE listing the twelve month names

One formula lists Jan to Dec. Use "mmmm" for full names.

SEQUENCE patterns

Formula Returns
=SEQUENCE(1,5) 1 to 5 across a row
=SEQUENCE(5,1,10,-2) 10, 8, 6, 4, 2
=SEQUENCE(10,1,0,0.1) 0, 0.1 … 0.9
=SEQUENCE(ROWS(B3:B20)) One number per row of a range

Notes

  • SEQUENCE fills rows first, then columns.
  • The step can be negative to count down, or a decimal.
  • The result spills, so keep the cells it needs empty.
  • Not available in Excel 2019 or earlier. Use ROW() or fill handles there.

Common errors

Problem Cause Fix
#SPILL! Cells in the spill range aren’t empty Clear them
#VALUE! rows or columns is 0 or negative Use 1 or more
#NAME? Excel 2019 or earlier Drag the fill handle instead

Practice file

All four examples with working formulas (Excel 2021 or 365).

Download .xlsx

Related

Functions