Excel Function

Excel SEQUENCE function

Generate numbered lists, date series, or 2D grids of numbers — with a single formula.

SEQUENCE generates an array of sequential numbers that spills automatically. No dragging, no fill handle — just one formula that creates as many numbers as you need.

Syntax

SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])
ArgumentWhat it means
rows requiredHow many rows to generate.
columns optionalHow many columns wide. Default is 1.
start optionalThe first number in the sequence. Default is 1.
step optionalHow much to increase each time. Default is 1. Use negative numbers to count down.

Basic examples

Generate the numbers 1 through 10 in a single column:

=SEQUENCE(10)

Generate a 3-row by 4-column grid of sequential numbers starting at 100, counting by 5:

=SEQUENCE(3, 4, 100, 5)

Date sequences

Generate every weekday in August 2026 — combine SEQUENCE with WORKDAY:

=WORKDAY(DATE(2026,7,31), SEQUENCE(23))

Then format the output cells as dates. SEQUENCE generates the day-count offsets; WORKDAY converts them to real working dates.

Row numbers that update automatically

Generate row numbers for a filtered list that always start at 1 regardless of source row position:

=SEQUENCE(COUNTA(A2:A100))
💡 Count down instead of up

=SEQUENCE(10, 1, 10, -1) generates 10, 9, 8 ... 1. Set step to any negative number to count backwards.

What is the difference between SEQUENCE and just dragging a fill handle?
Dragging a fill handle writes static values into cells. SEQUENCE is a live formula — change the rows argument and the whole list updates instantly. It also works inside other formulas.
Can SEQUENCE generate letters instead of numbers?
Not directly, but you can wrap it in CHAR: =CHAR(SEQUENCE(26, 1, 65)) generates A through Z using ASCII codes.
What version of Excel do I need?
SEQUENCE requires Excel 365, Excel 2021, or Excel for the web. It is not available in Excel 2019 or earlier.

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