SEQUENCE function in Excel - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

📊 Formula Result

intermediate

Output of a basic SEQUENCE function

What is the output of the formula =SEQUENCE(3,2) when entered in a cell?

Excel

=SEQUENCE(3,2)

A A 3-row by 2-column array with numbers 1 to 6 filled by rows

B A 3-row by 2-column array with numbers 1 to 6 filled by columns

C A single column with numbers 1 to 3

D A single row with numbers 1 to 2

💡 Hint

Remember SEQUENCE fills numbers starting from 1 by default, filling down columns first.

The formula =SEQUENCE(3,2) creates a 3-row by 2-column array. It fills numbers starting at 1, going down the first column, then continuing to the next column. So the numbers go 1, 2, 3 in the first column and 4, 5, 6 in the second.

❓ Function Choice

intermediate

Choosing the right SEQUENCE formula for a custom start and step

Which formula creates a 1-row by 5-column sequence starting at 10 and increasing by 3 each step?

A =SEQUENCE(1,5,10,3)

B =SEQUENCE(5,1,10,3)

C =SEQUENCE(1,5,3,10)

D =SEQUENCE(5,1,3,10)

💡 Hint

Remember the order of arguments: rows, columns, start, step.

The formula =SEQUENCE(1,5,10,3) creates 1 row and 5 columns, starting at 10 and increasing by 3 each time: 10, 13, 16, 19, 22.

🎯 Scenario

advanced

Generating a vertical sequence with negative step

You want to create a vertical list of 4 numbers starting at 20 and decreasing by 5 each step. Which formula will do this correctly?

A =SEQUENCE(4,1,-5,20)

B =SEQUENCE(1,4,20,-5)

C =SEQUENCE(4,1,20,-5)

D =SEQUENCE(1,4,-5,20)

💡 Hint

Rows first, then columns. Negative step decreases the number.

=SEQUENCE(4,1,20,-5) creates 4 rows and 1 column, starting at 20 and subtracting 5 each step: 20, 15, 10, 5.

📊 Formula Result

advanced

Output of SEQUENCE with zero rows

What happens if you enter the formula =SEQUENCE(0,3) in a cell?

Excel

=SEQUENCE(0,3)

A Returns a #VALUE! error because rows cannot be zero

B Returns an empty array with zero rows and 3 columns

C Returns a single cell with value 1

D Returns a 3-row by 0-column array

💡 Hint

Check if SEQUENCE allows zero for rows or columns.

The SEQUENCE function requires the number of rows and columns to be positive integers. Zero rows is invalid and causes a #VALUE! error.

❓ data_analysis

expert

Counting numbers generated by a complex SEQUENCE formula

How many numbers does the formula =SEQUENCE(4,3,5,2) generate in total?

Excel

=SEQUENCE(4,3,5,2)

A 8

B 7

C 15

D 12

💡 Hint

Multiply rows by columns to find total numbers generated.

The formula creates 4 rows and 3 columns, so total numbers = 4 × 3 = 12.