Sequence function

The SEQUENCE function allows you to generate a list of sequential numbers in an array, such as 1, 2, 3, 4.

In the following example, we created an array that's 4 rows tall by 5 columns wide with =SEQUENCE(4,5).

Note: This function is currently available to Microsoft 365 subscribers in Current Channel. It will be available to Microsoft 365 subscribers in Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel starting in July 2020. For more information on how features are rolled out to Microsoft 365 subscribers, see When do I get the newest features for Microsoft 365.

Syntax

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

Argument	Description
rows Required	The number of rows to return
[columns] Optional	The number of columns to return
[start] Optional	The first number in the sequence
[step] Optional	The amount to increment each subsequent value in the array

Notes: 

• Any missing optional arguments will default to 1. 

• An array can be thought of as a row of values, a column of values, or a combination of rows and columns of values. In the example above, the array for our SEQUENCE formula is range C1:G4.

• The SEQUENCE function will return an array, which will spill if it's the final result of a formula. This means that Excel will dynamically create the appropriate sized array range when you press ENTER. If your supporting data is in an Excel table, then the array will automatically resize as you add or remove data from your array range if you're using structured references. For more details, see this article on spilled array behavior.

• Excel has limited support for dynamic arrays between workbooks, and this scenario is only supported when both workbooks are open. If you close the source workbook, any linked dynamic array formulas will return a #REF! error when they are refreshed.

Example

If you need to create a quick sample dataset, here's an example using SEQUENCE with TEXT, DATE, YEAR, and TODAY to create a dynamic list of months for a header row, where the underlying date will always be the current year. Our formula is: =TEXT(DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),SEQUENCE(1,6),1),"mmm").

Here's an example of nesting SEQUENCE with INT and RAND to create a 5 row by 6 column array with a random set of increasing integers. Our formula is: =SEQUENCE(5,6,INT(RAND()*100),INT(RAND()*100)).

In addition, you could use =SEQUENCE(5,1,1001,1000) to create the sequential list of GL Code numbers in the examples.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.

See Also

FILTER function

RANDARRAY function

SORT function

SORTBY function

UNIQUE function

#SPILL! errors in Excel

Dynamic arrays and spilled array behavior

Implicit intersection operator: @