How to Use SEQUENCE Function in Excel: Syntax and Examples

The SEQUENCE function in Excel creates a list or array of sequential numbers. You can specify how many rows and columns to fill, the starting number, and the step between numbers using =SEQUENCE(rows, columns, start, step).

Syntax

The SEQUENCE function syntax is:

• rows: Number of rows to fill with numbers.
• columns (optional): Number of columns to fill. Defaults to 1.
• start (optional): The first number in the sequence. Defaults to 1.
• step (optional): The increment between numbers. Defaults to 1.

excel

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

Example

This example creates a 3-row by 4-column array starting at 5 and increasing by 2:

excel

=SEQUENCE(3, 4, 5, 2)

Output

5	7	9	11
7	9	11	13
9	11	13	15

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes include:

• Not specifying the rows argument, which is required.
• Forgetting that columns, start, and step are optional but must be in order if used.
• Expecting the sequence to fill down columns first; it fills rows first.

excel

=SEQUENCE(,4)  <em>(wrong: missing rows)</em>
=SEQUENCE(3, , 5)  <em>(wrong: skipping columns argument)</em>
=SEQUENCE(3,4,5,2)  <em>(correct)</em>

Quick Reference

Argument	Description	Default
rows	Number of rows to fill	Required
columns	Number of columns to fill	1
start	Starting number of the sequence	1
step	Increment between numbers	1

Key Takeaways

SEQUENCE generates arrays of numbers with customizable size and increments.

The rows argument is required; columns, start, and step are optional and must be in order.

The sequence fills numbers across rows first, then moves down columns.

Use SEQUENCE to quickly create number lists without manual entry.

Remember to specify all arguments in order if you skip optional ones.