SEQUENCE
The SEQUENCE function generates a sequence of numbers in an array, providing a convenient way to create a series of values with specified properties.
Syntax 🔗
=SEQUENCE(rows
, [columns]
, [start]
, [step]
)
rows | The number of rows in the array. |
columns (Optional) | The number of columns in the array. Defaults to 1 if omitted. |
start (Optional) | The value at which the sequence begins. Defaults to 1 if omitted. |
step (Optional) | The increment between the numbers in the sequence. Defaults to 1 if omitted. |
About SEQUENCE 🔗
When you need to quickly generate a series of numbers in Excel, SEQUENCE comes to the rescue. This versatile function allows you to create arrays populated with sequential numbers, providing flexibility in defining the starting value, increment, and dimensions of the output matrix. Whether you're organizing data, performing calculations, or setting up simulations, SEQUENCE simplifies the process of generating structured numerical sequences in your spreadsheets.
Examples 🔗
To create a sequence of numbers from 1 to 5 in a single column array, you can use the formula: =SEQUENCE(5)
If you want to generate a 3x3 matrix starting from 0 with increments of 2 between each value, you would use: =SEQUENCE(3, 3, 0, 2)
Notes 🔗
The SEQUENCE function is useful for quickly generating arrays of numbers, especially in situations where manual data entry would be time-consuming or error-prone. It is particularly handy for constructing matrices or setting up series for numerical calculations.
Questions 🔗
Yes, you can specify both the number of rows and columns in the SEQUENCE function. If the number of columns is not provided, it defaults to 1.
How does the SEQUENCE function handle negative values for the start and step arguments?The SEQUENCE function can handle negative values for the start and step arguments. You can specify negative values to create sequences that count backward or decrement by a specified amount.
Is the SEQUENCE function limited to generating numerical sequences only?No, the SEQUENCE function can also be used to create sequences based on other data types. For example, you can generate sequences of dates, times, or even text strings by adjusting the start and step values accordingly.