Cellwise

Dynamic arrays function

Excel SEQUENCE function

SEQUENCE creates a list of numbers that spills into as many rows and columns as you ask for. Use it to number rows, build weekly date schedules, or generate test data without dragging the fill handle.

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

Arguments

rows
How many rows to fill.
columns
Optional. How many columns to fill. Default is 1.
start
Optional. The first number. Default is 1.
step
Optional. How much to add each time. Default is 1.

SEQUENCE examples

Every result below was calculated live from this sample sheet.

AB
1Sprint startTeam
22026-01-05Platform
  1. fx=SEQUENCE(5)

    Result: 1 spills 5×1

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Spills 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 down a column.

  2. fx=SEQUENCE(3,4,10,5)

    Result: 10 spills 3×4

    10152025
    30354045
    50556065

    A 3-row, 4-column grid starting at 10 and counting up by 5.

  3. fx=A2+SEQUENCE(6,1,0,14)

    Result: Jan 5, 2026 spills 6×1

    46027
    46041
    46055
    46069
    46083
    46097

    Six sprint start dates two weeks apart, starting January 5, 2026.

  4. fx=SUM(SEQUENCE(12))

    Result: 78

    Adds 1 through 12 without typing them: 78.

How to use SEQUENCE

  1. Click the top-left cell of an empty area.
  2. Type =SEQUENCE( and the number of rows.
  3. Add columns, a start number and a step if you need them.
  4. Press Enter. Format the cells as dates if you built a date list.

Common SEQUENCE mistakes

Getting #SPILL!

The cells the list needs are not empty. Clear them or move the formula.

Date lists show as numbers

Dates plus SEQUENCE give serial numbers. Format the spill range as dates.

Mixing up start and step

The order is rows, columns, start, step. SEQUENCE(5,1,0,7) starts at 0 and adds 7.

SEQUENCE FAQ

How do I auto number rows in Excel?

Type =SEQUENCE(COUNTA(B2:B100)) next to your list. It numbers every filled row and grows as you add more.

How do I create a list of dates in Excel with a formula?

Add SEQUENCE to a start date: =A2+SEQUENCE(30,1,0,1) gives 30 days in a row. Use a step of 7 for weekly dates.

Which Excel versions have SEQUENCE?

Microsoft 365, Excel 2021 and later, and Excel for the web. Older versions do not support spilling formulas.

Practice SEQUENCE in these lessons

Guides that use SEQUENCE

Related functions

Updated 2026-10-31