Syntax
ROW([reference])
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| [reference] | (Optional.) Parameter of the ROW function. |
Examples
Auto-numbering
Formula
=ROW()-1
In row 2 returns 1, row 3 returns 2, etc. Subtracting the header row count creates a clean sequential ID column.
Get row of reference
Formula
=ROW(C15)
Returns 15 — the row number of cell C15. Useful in formulas that need to know where a particular cell sits.
Alternating row shading
Formula
=MOD(ROW(), 2)=0
Returns TRUE for even rows and FALSE for odd rows. Use this as a conditional formatting formula to create zebra stripes.
Common Errors
#VALUE!
ROW rarely errors, but will return #VALUE! if passed an invalid reference argument.
Tips
No argument = current row
=ROW() with no argument returns the row number of the cell containing the formula. This is the most common usage.
Sequential numbering
=ROW()-ROW($A$1) gives you a 0-based counter relative to your data start. Add 1 for 1-based numbering.
Combine with INDEX
ROW is often used with INDEX/MATCH to determine which row a match was found in, or to drive helper formulas that depend on position.
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