How to Use the SEQUENCE Function to Generate Number Lists

SEQUENCE creates a list of numbers with one formula. It replaces dragging down a fill handle and updates automatically.

Syntax

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

Examples

• Numbers 1 to 10 down a column: =SEQUENCE(10)
• A grid of 3 rows and 4 columns: =SEQUENCE(3, 4)
• Start at 100, step 5: =SEQUENCE(10, 1, 100, 5)
• Count backwards from 10 to 1: =SEQUENCE(10, 1, 10, -1)

Automatic serial numbers

To number only the rows that have data:

=SEQUENCE(COUNTA(B2:B500))

Add a row to the list and the numbering grows.

A list of dates

=SEQUENCE(30, 1, DATE(2026,11,1), 1)

Format the cells as dates to get 30 days starting on 1 November 2026. Use a step of 7 for weekly dates.

Combine with other functions

• Create repeating patterns with MOD(SEQUENCE(12)-1, 3)+1 to get 1,2,3,1,2,3.
• Pull every nth row with INDEX and SEQUENCE.

SEQUENCE is part of the dynamic array family, so it needs Microsoft 365 or Excel 2021 and later.