SEQUENCE

Array Functions

(4.9/5)

The SEQUENCE function generates dynamic arrays of sequential numbers with customizable start values and increments. Perfect for creating row numbers, indexing, numbering lists, and generating patterned data arrays efficiently.

Interactive Formula Tester

Test Parameters:

Formula:

=SEQUENCE("")

Complete Theory & Understanding

Master the fundamentals of Excel SEQUENCE function

Core Concept

SEQUENCE generates arrays of sequential numbers with complete control over dimensions, starting value, and increment. It's the modern replacement for complex array formulas and provides efficient dynamic array generation for indexing, numbering, and pattern creation.

Why Use SEQUENCE?

Automatically number rows in dynamic lists
Create index arrays for complex formulas
Generate date sequences and time series
Create numbered lists and sequences

Key Characteristics

Dynamic Spill

Automatically fills adjacent cells with sequential numbers

=SEQUENCE(10) fills 10 cells

Row-Major Order

Fills left to right, then top to bottom

=SEQUENCE(2,3) gives 1,2,3 then 4,5,6

Flexible Patterns

Support for ascending, descending, and custom increments

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

Non-Volatile

Only recalculates when inputs change

Stable values unlike random functions

Function Anatomy

=SEQUENCE(parameters...)

Required

Parameters:

Function-specific parameters

Returns

Return Value:

Function-specific return type

Primary Use Cases

Row Numbering

Automatically number rows in dynamic lists

Index Generation

Create index arrays for complex formulas

Date Series

Generate date sequences and time series

Number Patterns

Create numbered lists and sequences

Theory Summary

Precise

Exact matching required

Position-Based

Returns numeric position

Error-Safe

Handles missing text gracefully

Syntax & Parameters

=SEQUENCE(rows, columns, start, step)

Required

rows:

Number of rows to generate (required)

Optional

columns:

Number of columns to generate (default is 1)

Optional

start:

Starting value for the sequence (default is 1)

Optional

step:

Increment between values (default is 1)

Returns

Return Value:

Dynamic array of sequential numbers

Description: Generates an array of sequential numbers with customizable dimensions and pattern

Interactive Examples

Basic Sequence

Generate numbers 1 through 5

Input Text:

"5 rows"

Formula:

=SEQUENCE(5)

Result:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Creates a vertical sequence starting from 1

VBA Implementation & Automation

Manual SEQUENCE Implementation

Create SEQUENCE-like functionality in VBA

' Generate sequential array in VBA
Function SequenceVBA(rows As Long, Optional cols As Long = 1, Optional start As Double = 1, Optional step As Double = 1) As Variant
    Dim result() As Variant
    Dim i As Long, j As Long
    Dim counter As Double
    
    ReDim result(1 To rows, 1 To cols)
    counter = start
    
    For i = 1 To rows
        For j = 1 To cols
            result(i, j) = counter
            counter = counter + step
        Next j
    Next i
    
    SequenceVBA = result
End Function

' Usage example
Sub Example_SequenceVBA()
    Dim myArray As Variant
    myArray = SequenceVBA(5, 3, 1, 1)
    
    Range("A1:C5").Value = myArray
    MsgBox "Sequence generated in A1:C5"
End Sub

Advanced: Dynamic Sequence with Conditions

Generate sequences with conditional logic

' Generate even numbers only
Function SequenceEven(rows As Long) As Variant
    Dim result() As Variant
    Dim i As Long
    
    ReDim result(1 To rows, 1 To 1)
    
    For i = 1 To rows
        result(i, 1) = i * 2
    Next i
    
    SequenceEven = result
End Function

' Generate sequence with specific pattern
Function SequenceCustom(maxVal As Long) As Variant
    Dim result() As Variant
    Dim i As Long, count As Long
    
    count = Application.WorksheetFunction.RoundUp(maxVal / 2, 0)
    ReDim result(1 To count, 1 To 1)
    
    For i = 1 To count
        result(i, 1) = i * 2 - 1  ' Odd numbers only
    Next i
    
    SequenceCustom = result
End Function