SEQUENCE: Generate Number Arrays (2025)
Quick Answer: SEQUENCE creates number arrays: =SEQUENCE(10) creates 1-10 vertically. =SEQUENCE(1,10) for horizontal. Custom: =SEQUENCE(rows, cols, start, step). Examples: =SEQUENCE(10,1,100,5) starts 100 step 5. 2D: =SEQUENCE(5,4) creates 5×4 grid. Combine with formulas for dynamic lists, dates, test data. Excel 365 only.
What is SEQUENCE?
SEQUENCE is a dynamic array function in Excel 365 that generates arrays of sequential numbers. It eliminates the need to manually type number lists or drag-fill cells, creating clean, formula-based sequences that update automatically.
⚠️ Excel 365 Only
SEQUENCE requires Excel 365 subscription with dynamic arrays. Not available in Excel 2019, 2016, or earlier.
Alternative for older Excel: Manual entry, fill down, or ROW/COLUMN functions with helper columns.
Simple Examples:
Vertical List (1-10):
=SEQUENCE(10)
1
2
3
...
10
Horizontal List (1-10):
=SEQUENCE(1, 10)
1 | 2 | 3 | ... | 10
Common Use Cases:
✓ Auto-Numbering Lists
Dynamic row numbers that update automatically
✓ Date Ranges
Combine with DATE for consecutive date lists
✓ Test Data Generation
Create sample datasets quickly
✓ Calendar Grids
2D arrays for calendar layouts
Customization Options:
Custom Start
100, 101, 102, ... 109
Custom Step (Increment)
0, 5, 10, 15, 20, ... 45
Negative Step (Countdown)
100, 90, 80, 70, ... 10
2D Grid (5×4)
Grid numbered 1-20
💡 Why Use SEQUENCE?
vs Manual entry: SEQUENCE is dynamic, updates automatically, no drag-fill needed
vs ROW/COLUMN: More flexible with custom start/step values, works without reference cells
SEQUENCE Syntax
=SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])
Arguments
rows (required)
Number of rows in the array
columns (optional, default 1)
Number of columns in the array
Default = 1 (single column). For horizontal list: use desired count.
2D arrays: specify both rows and columns
start (optional, default 1)
Starting number
step (optional, default 1)
Increment between numbers
Common Patterns
Simple List (1-10)
=SEQUENCE(10)
Default: vertical, starts at 1, step 1
Horizontal List
=SEQUENCE(1, 10)
1 row, 10 columns
Start at 100
=SEQUENCE(10, 1, 100)
100, 101, 102, ..., 109
Count by 5s
=SEQUENCE(10, 1, 0, 5)
0, 5, 10, 15, ..., 45
Countdown
=SEQUENCE(10, 1, 100, -10)
100, 90, 80, ..., 10
2D Arrays
Basic Grid (3×3)
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
Custom Start/Step Grid
10 15 20
25 30 35
40 45 50
Numbers fill left to right, top to bottom
Decimal Steps
Increment by 0.5
0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5
Increment by 0.1
1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, ..., 1.9
⚠️ Important Notes
- • Excel 365 only: Not available in Excel 2019 or earlier
- • Dynamic array: Spills into multiple cells automatically
- • Clear space required: #SPILL! error if cells blocked
- • Fill order: 2D arrays fill left-to-right, then down
- • Positive integers: rows and columns must be positive whole numbers
- • Any number allowed: start and step can be any numeric value
- • Decimal precision: May have floating-point rounding with decimal steps
- • Combine with formulas: Use as input to other functions for dynamic calculations
10+ SEQUENCE Examples
Basic Number Lists
1. Simple 1-10 List
=SEQUENCE(10)
Vertical list 1-10
2. Even Numbers (2, 4, 6...)
=SEQUENCE(10, 1, 2, 2)
Start at 2, step by 2
3. Odd Numbers (1, 3, 5...)
=SEQUENCE(10, 1, 1, 2)
Start at 1, step by 2
Date Sequences
4. Next 30 Days
=TODAY() + SEQUENCE(30, 1, 0)
Today + 0, 1, 2, ... 29 days
5. Every Monday for 10 Weeks
=TODAY() + SEQUENCE(10, 1, 0, 7)
Weekly intervals starting today
6. Month Headers (Jan-Dec)
=TEXT(DATE(2025,SEQUENCE(1,12),1),"MMM")
Horizontal month abbreviations
Dynamic Row Numbering
7. Auto-Number Rows
=SEQUENCE(ROWS(A2:A100))
Numbers adjust to data count
8. ID Numbers (1001, 1002...)
=SEQUENCE(50, 1, 1000)
Start at 1000 for ID format
Grids & Tables
9. Multiplication Table (10×10)
=SEQUENCE(10) * SEQUENCE(1,10)
Vertical × horizontal arrays
10. Calendar Grid (7×5)
=SEQUENCE(5, 7)
5 weeks × 7 days structure
11. Coordinate Grid
=SEQUENCE(10) & "," & TRANSPOSE(SEQUENCE(10))
Creates "1,1" "1,2" etc coordinates
🎯 Pro Tips
- • Dynamic sizing: Use ROWS() or COLUMNS() for auto-adjusting counts
- • Date ranges: Combine with TODAY() and DATE for dynamic calendars
- • Array operations: Multiply/add SEQUENCE arrays for grids and tables
- • Test data: Perfect for generating sample datasets quickly
- • Combine with FILTER: Create filtered sequential lists
- • TEXT formatting: Wrap in TEXT() for custom number formats
- • Negative steps: Create countdowns and reverse sequences
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a horizontal sequence instead of vertical?
Set rows=1 and columns=count: =SEQUENCE(1,10) creates 1-10 horizontally. Default =SEQUENCE(10) is vertical (10 rows, 1 column). For 2D: specify both =SEQUENCE(5,4) creates 5 rows × 4 columns. Direction determined by which dimension is larger or explicitly set.
Can SEQUENCE generate dates?
Yes, combine with date functions: =TODAY()+SEQUENCE(30,1,0) creates next 30 days. =DATE(2025,SEQUENCE(12),1) creates 1st of each month. =TODAY()+SEQUENCE(10,1,0,7) creates next 10 Mondays (weekly). Excel treats dates as numbers, so adding SEQUENCE to dates creates date sequences. Use TEXT() for formatting: =TEXT(TODAY()+SEQUENCE(7),'ddd').
What happens if SEQUENCE spills into occupied cells?
#SPILL! error. SEQUENCE needs clear space for entire array. Solutions: (1) Clear blocking cells, (2) Move formula to area with space, (3) Reduce rows/columns parameters, (4) Use in separate worksheet. Check spill range: hover over #SPILL! for details. Dynamic arrays require unobstructed rectangular space.
How do I create odd or even numbers only?
Even: =SEQUENCE(10,1,2,2) starts at 2, step 2 → 2,4,6,8... Odd: =SEQUENCE(10,1,1,2) starts at 1, step 2 → 1,3,5,7... General pattern: start with first number in series, step = difference between consecutive numbers. For multiples of 5: =SEQUENCE(10,1,5,5). For multiples of any N: =SEQUENCE(count,1,N,N).
Can I use SEQUENCE for row numbering that adjusts automatically?
Yes: =SEQUENCE(ROWS(A:A)) or =SEQUENCE(COUNTA(A:A)) for dynamic count. Adjusts as data grows/shrinks. Best practice: =SEQUENCE(COUNTA(A2:A1000)) with defined range. Benefits: no drag-fill needed, updates automatically, formula-based. Use with FILTER for numbered filtered results: =SEQUENCE(ROWS(FILTER(A:B,criteria))).
Does SEQUENCE work in older Excel versions?
No, Excel 365 only (dynamic arrays required). Alternatives for older versions: (1) Manual entry with fill down, (2) =ROW()-ROW($A$1)+1 formula copied down, (3) Helper column with incrementing formula, (4) VBA macro for automation. Dynamic arrays (SEQUENCE, FILTER, SORT, etc) only available in Excel 365 subscription.