ExcelFormulas logoExcelFormulas.
Ask AI
Dynamic ArraysVerified QA Tested

SEQUENCE.

Generates a list or 2D grid of sequential numbers.

Category: Dynamic Arrays
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Google Sheets

How it works.

SEQUENCE generates an array of sequential numbers over specified rows and columns, with customizable starting values and step increments.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the SEQUENCE function is detailed below.

rowsRequired

Number of rows to generate.

Example value: 5
columnsOptional

Number of columns to generate (default 1).

Default: 1
startOptional

Starting number (default 1).

Default: 1
stepOptional

Increment step per number (default 1).

Default: 1

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Sequential ID Generator

Generate a list of consecutive invoice numbers starting at 101.

Generated Invoices
—
—
—
Applied Formula
=SEQUENCE(4, 1, 101, 1)
Expected Result:101

Evaluates SEQUENCE over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell A1.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored SEQUENCE formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy

Expected result behavior.

Returns number 101 based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:101
Output Type:Numeric (Double/Integer)

Best Practices

  • Generate monthly dates automatically: =DATE(2025, SEQUENCE(12), 1).

Common Mistakes

  • Rows or columns specified as 0 or negative numbers return a #VALUE! error.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✕
No
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Introduced in Excel 365 and Excel 2021. Not available in Excel 2019.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

Fully supported in Google Sheets. Generates multi-row/multi-column integer or stepped number series.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use SEQUENCE across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =SEQUENCE(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in SEQUENCE?↓

Rows or columns specified as 0 or negative numbers return a #VALUE! error.

Does SEQUENCE work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, SEQUENCE is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.