Excel ROW Function | Formula Examples + FREE Video

Excel ROW Function - Overview

When to use Excel ROW Function

Excel ROW Function function can be used when you want to get the row number of a cell reference.

What it Returns

It returns a number that represents the row number of the specified reference. For example, =ROW(B4) would return 4, as it is in the fourth row.

Syntax

=ROW([reference])

Input Arguments

  • [reference] – An optional argument that refers to a cell or range of cells. If this argument is omitted, ROW function returns the row number of the cell in which the formula resides.

Additional Notes

  • If the reference is a range of cells, ROW function returns the row number of the top-most row in the specified range. For example, =ROW(B5:D10) would return 5 as the top-most row is B2 for which the row number is 5.
  • If the reference is entered as an array, ROW function returns the row numbers of all the rows in that array.
  • Reference can not refer to multiple references or addresses.
  • ROW function can be particularly helpful when you want to get a sequence of numbers in a column. For example, enter =ROW() in cell A1 and drag it down. You will have sequence of numbers 1.2.3..

Excel ROW Function – Examples

Here are three examples of using the Excel ROW Function:

#1 Getting the Row number of the current cell

Using Excel Row Function to get the row number

If you enter =ROW() in any cell, it will return the row number of that cell.

#2 Getting the Row number of the Specified Cell

Using Excel Row Function to get the row number of the selected cell

If you specify a cell reference with the ROW function, it will return the row number of that cell reference.

#3 Getting the Row Numbers of a range of cells

Excel Row Function - Example 3

If you use the reference of a range of cells within ROW function, it will return an array of all the row numbers. For example, in the above example, =ROW(A4:C8) returns an array – {4;5;6;7;8} – as all these rows are covered by the range used within the ROW function.

Note that ROW function can take only a single contiguous range of cells as input. If you try using =ROW(A4:C8,K9), it will return an error.

Excel ROW Function – Video Tutorial

Related Excel Functions:

Other articles you may also like:

Excel Ebook Subscribe

FREE EXCEL BOOK

Get 51 Excel Tips Ebook to skyrocket your productivity and get work done faster