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ROW

Returns the row number of a reference.

Quick Example​

=ROW(A5)

Returns 5 (row 5).

Syntax​

=ROW([reference])

Arguments​

  • reference (optional): The cell or range for which you want the row number. If omitted, returns the row of the cell containing the formula.

Examples​

=ROW()                   // Returns row of current cell
=ROW(A1)                 // Returns 1
=ROW(A10)                // Returns 10
=ROW(C5)                 // Returns 5
=ROW(A2:A5)              // Returns 2 (topmost row)

How It Works​

Row Numbering​

Standard spreadsheet row numbering (1, 2, 3, ...)

With Ranges​

Returns row of the topmost cell:

=ROW(A3:A10)  // Returns 3 (first row)

No Argument​

=ROW()  // Returns row number of cell containing formula

Common Use Cases​

Auto-Numbering Rows​

=ROW() - 1  // If header in row 1, numbering starts at 0

Sequential IDs​

=ROW()  // Creates sequential numbers down a column

Conditional Formatting by Row​

=MOD(ROW(), 2) = 0  // TRUE for even rows (zebra striping)

Dynamic References​

=INDEX(Data, ROW(), COLUMN())

Offset Calculations​

=A1 + ROW()  // Different calculation per row

Error Handling​

ErrorCauseSolution
#VALUE!Reference is not validProvide valid cell reference
#VALUE!More than 1 argumentUse 0 or 1 arguments only

Technical Details​

  • Takes 0 or 1 arguments
  • Returns row number as a number (double)
  • For ranges, returns topmost row
  • Row 1 is the first row