If you want a quick column of numbers, a row of evenly spaced values, or even a small grid filled in for you, the SEQUENCE function in Google Sheets builds it with a single formula.
It spills the result across the cells below or beside it, so you never have to fill anything down. In this article, I’ll show you how to use SEQUENCE for a basic count, a custom start and step, a 2D grid, a run of dates, and a list of odd numbers.
SEQUENCE Function Syntax in Google Sheets
Here is how the SEQUENCE function is written:
=SEQUENCE(rows, [columns], [start], [step])
- rows is the number of rows the output should fill.
- columns (optional) is the number of columns. If left out, SEQUENCE returns a single column.
- start (optional) is the first value in the sequence. Defaults to 1.
- step (optional) is how much each value goes up by. Defaults to 1.
SEQUENCE always spills its result into the cells below or beside the formula cell. You only enter the formula once.
When to Use SEQUENCE Function
- Generate a numbered list for IDs, rankings, or row numbers without typing them out.
- Build a counter column that grows as your data grows.
- Fill a rectangular block with sequential numbers for layouts or test data.
- Produce a run of consecutive dates for schedules, calendars, or deadlines.
- Create evenly spaced values for charts, intervals, or bucket labels.
Example 1: Generate a Basic Numeric Sequence
Let’s start with the simplest call, the integers 1 through N down a column.
Below is an empty column with the header Number in cell A1.
You want the numbers 1 to 8 listed in column A, starting from row 2.
Here is the formula:
=SEQUENCE(8)
With only the rows argument set, SEQUENCE returns a single column of integers starting at 1. The result spills from the formula cell downward across eight rows.
You type the formula once in A2. The other seven values appear automatically. No fill-down, no ARRAYFORMULA.
Example 2: Sequence With a Custom Start and Step
Pass the other two arguments and you can move the starting point and change how big each jump is.
Below is an empty column with the header Value in cell A1.
You want a list of five values that starts at 10 and goes up by 5 each time.
Here is the formula:
=SEQUENCE(5,1,10,5)
How this formula works:
- The first argument, 5, sets the row count.
- The second, 1, sets the column count (one column down).
- The third, 10, is the first value in the sequence.
- The fourth, 5, is how much each value increases.
So the spill goes 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 down the column. Change the start and step to drive any arithmetic series you need.
Example 3: Build a Two-Dimensional Grid
Give SEQUENCE both a row count and a column count and it fills a rectangular block instead of one column.
Below is an empty cell A1 with nothing in it yet.
You want a 3-by-4 grid filled with the numbers 1 to 12, going left to right and top to bottom.
Here is the formula:
=SEQUENCE(3,4)
With both row and column counts set, SEQUENCE fills out the grid by row. The first row gets 1 to 4, the second row gets 5 to 8, and the third row gets 9 to 12.
This shape is handy for laying out numbered slots, generating practice problems, or pre-filling a table that you’ll overwrite later. Resize the grid by changing the two arguments.
Example 4: Generate a Run of Consecutive Dates
SEQUENCE works for dates because dates in Google Sheets are stored as numbers behind the scenes. Pass a DATE value as the start and SEQUENCE counts up day by day.
Below is an empty column with the header Date in cell A1.
You want seven consecutive dates starting from January 1, 2026, listed down the column.
Here is the formula:
=SEQUENCE(7,1,DATE(2026,1,1))
DATE(2026,1,1) hands back a date serial number, and SEQUENCE counts up from there by 1 each row. The default step of 1 means one day at a time.
Pro Tip: SEQUENCE returns the raw serial numbers for dates. If the cells look like five-digit numbers instead of dates, select the spilled range and apply Format, Number, Date. The serials don’t change, only the way they display.
Example 5: Produce Only the Odd Numbers
Set the start to 1 and the step to 2, and SEQUENCE gives you the odd numbers in order.
Below is an empty column with the header Odd in cell A1.
You want the first six odd numbers, starting at 1, listed down the column.
Here is the formula:
=SEQUENCE(6,1,1,2)
The four arguments line up as 6 rows, 1 column, start at 1, jump by 2. That spills 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 down the column.
Change the start to 2 with the same step of 2 and you get the even numbers instead. Negative steps work too, which is handy for countdown sequences.
Pro Tip: SEQUENCE pairs well with the CHOOSE function when you want to map sequence positions to labels. For example, `=CHOOSE(SEQUENCE(3), “Gold”, “Silver”, “Bronze”)` spills out a three-row list of medal names from a generated 1, 2, 3.
Tips & Common Mistakes
- The spill range needs to be empty. If any cell in the path of the spill already has content, SEQUENCE returns a #REF! error with a “Result was not expanded because it would overwrite data” message. Clear the cells below or beside the formula and the spill comes back.
- The first row argument has to be at least 1. Passing 0 or a negative number returns a #VALUE! error. Same for the columns argument. Make sure both counts are positive whole numbers.
- SEQUENCE generates one block in one cell. Unlike a per-row formula that fills down, SEQUENCE lives in a single cell and produces the whole spill from there. To edit the size or step, edit that one cell. Pair it with the ROWS function (like
=SEQUENCE(ROWS(A2:A))) to make the counter grow with your data automatically.
SEQUENCE is the cleanest way to build a list of numbers in Google Sheets. One formula, one cell, and the values spill out for you.
Use it for simple counters, custom arithmetic series, 2D grids, date runs, and any time you need a column or block of evenly spaced numbers without typing them by hand.
List of All Google Sheets Functions
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