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Lesson 19 of 104 3 min Updated Completed

How to Create a Number Sequence in Excel

Excel can create almost any number sequence for you, using AutoFill or a simple formula. Here are three examples.

Example 1: even numbers

  1. Type 2 in cell B2 and 4 in B3, then select both cells.

    The numbers 2 and 4 typed in B2 and B3

  2. Drag the fill handle down to B10.

    AutoFill continuing the even numbers

Excel continues the pattern: 6, 8, 10 and so on.

Example 2: a geometric progression

In a geometric progression, each number is the previous one multiplied by the same amount. Here we multiply by 3 each time.

  1. Type 3 in cell B2.

    The starting number 3 in cell B2

  2. In B3, enter a formula that multiplies the cell above by 3: =B2*3

    The formula =B2*3 in cell B3

  3. Drag the fill handle of B3 down.

Result: 3, 9, 27, 81 and so on.

A geometric progression created by copying the formula down

Example 3: the Fibonacci sequence

In the Fibonacci sequence, the first two numbers are 0 and 1, and every number after that is the sum of the two before it.

  1. Type 0 in cell B2 and 1 in B3.

    The first two Fibonacci numbers, 0 and 1

  2. In B4, enter the formula =B3+B2

    The formula =B3+B2 in cell B4

  3. Drag the fill handle of B4 down as far as you like.

Result: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 and so on.

The Fibonacci sequence created in Excel

Using Microsoft 365? The SEQUENCE function creates simple sequences without dragging. For example, =SEQUENCE(10, 1, 2, 2) lists the first 10 even numbers.