How SEQUENCE works in Excel? Best SEQUENCE examples

How SEQUENCE works in Excel? Best SEQUENCE examples

When working with numbers in Excel, automation is key to efficiency. One of my favorite functions for generating sequential numbers effortlessly is SEQUENCE. Whether I need a simple numbered list or a complex structured dataset, SEQUENCE does the job without breaking a sweat. Today, I’ll take you through exactly how SEQUENCE works in Excel with some of the best examples to help you make the most of this function.

Understanding the SEQUENCE Function

The SEQUENCE function generates an array of sequential numbers based on the parameters you provide. It’s a dynamic array function, meaning the results automatically spill into adjacent cells. Here’s the syntax:

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

Let’s break down what each argument means:

  • rows – The number of rows the sequence should span.
  • columns – (Optional) The number of columns to fill. Default is 1.
  • start – (Optional) The starting number of the sequence. Default is 1.
  • step – (Optional) The increment for each number. Default is 1.

Basic Usage of SEQUENCE

To generate a simple list of numbers from 1 to 10 in a single column, use:

=SEQUENCE(10)

This formula outputs numbers 1 through 10 in a single column. Since only the first argument is provided, the default values for columns, start, and step are used.

Creating a Multi-Column Sequence

If I want a 5-row by 2-column sequence starting from 1, I can use:

=SEQUENCE(5,2)

This fills a 5×2 range with sequential numbers. The first column will have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the second column will have 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Starting from a Specific Number

To generate a sequence that starts from 100 and goes down by steps of -5, I use:

=SEQUENCE(5,1,100,-5)

This outputs:

Value
100
95
90
85
80

Generating a Date Sequence

The SEQUENCE function is perfect for generating a series of dates. Let’s say I need a list of 10 consecutive days starting from today:

=SEQUENCE(10,1,TODAY(),1)

This will output today’s date in the first row and each subsequent cell will have the next day’s date.

Using SEQUENCE with Other Functions

Pairing SEQUENCE with other Excel functions unlocks even more possibilities. For example, if I need a sequence of random numbers between 1 and 100, I can use:

=RANDARRAY(10,1,1,100,TRUE)

Or, if I want to get a column of even numbers between 2 and 20:

=SEQUENCE(10,1,2,2)

Common SEQUENCE Use Cases

Some practical ways I use SEQUENCE in my daily Excel tasks include:

  1. Generating numbered lists for reports or tables.
  2. Creating automatically updating date sequences.
  3. Quickly filling tables with pattern-based numbers.
  4. Generating row/column headers dynamically.
  5. Automating data entry for forecasting models.

Limitations of SEQUENCE

While SEQUENCE is incredibly powerful, there are a few things to be aware of:

  • It only works in Excel 365 and Excel 2019.
  • It doesn’t accept non-numeric values in the start or step parameters.
  • Since it relies on dynamic arrays, spilled content might interfere with existing data.

Conclusion

Mastering the SEQUENCE function in Excel makes working with ordered data significantly easier. Whether I’m creating lists, automating spreadsheets, or structuring reports, SEQUENCE saves me time and effort. By combining it with other functions like RANDARRAY, TEXT, or DATE, I can generate powerful and dynamic datasets effortlessly.

 

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