Excel functions

How to Use the ROW Function in Excel

Today, we’ll explore the ROW function, a very helpful feature in both Excel and Google Sheets. This function is primarily used to return the row number of a given reference. Let’s delve deeper into the functionality of the ROW function, applicable to both Excel and Google Sheets.

Basic Syntax

The syntax for the ROW function is consistent across both Excel and Google Sheets:

=ROW([reference])

Here, [reference] specifies the cell or range for which the row number is needed.

Excel Example

Consider a scenario in Excel where you have data in cells from A1 to A5 and you wish to identify the row number for cell A3. You can utilize the ROW function as follows:

Data
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5 
=ROW(A3)

This formula, when entered into any cell, returns 3, indicating that A3 is located in the third row.

Google Sheets Example

In Google Sheets, the ROW function functions identically. Using the same data set:

Data
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5 
=ROW(A3)

This will also return 3 in Google Sheets, just as in Excel.

Use Cases

The ROW function is quite versatile and can be leveraged in several ways. Here are some common applications:

  • Conditional Formatting: Combine the ROW function with other functions to implement conditional formatting based on the row number.
  • Dynamic Named Ranges: Use the ROW function to define dynamic named ranges that automatically adjust according to the number of rows.
  • Data Analysis: For data analysis tasks, knowing the row number is useful for data manipulation and lookup functions.

In conclusion, the ROW function is a straightforward yet potent tool in Excel and Google Sheets, enhancing tasks related to row numbers.

More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/row-function-3a63b74a-c4d0-4093-b49a-e76eb49a6d8d

Other functions
ADDRESS
Returns a reference as text to a single cell in a worksheet
AREAS
Returns the number of areas in a reference
CHOOSE
Chooses a value from a list of values
COLUMN
Returns the column number of a reference
COLUMNS
Returns the number of columns in a reference
FILTER
Filters a range of data based on criteria you define
FORMULATEXT
Returns the formula at the given reference as text
GETPIVOTDATA
Returns data stored in a PivotTable report
HLOOKUP
Looks in the top row of an array and returns the value of the indicated cell
HYPERLINK
Creates a shortcut or jump that opens a document stored on a network server, an intranet, or the Internet
INDEX
Uses an index to choose a value from a reference or array
INDIRECT
Returns a reference indicated by a text value
LOOKUP
Looks up values in a vector or array
MATCH
Looks up values in a reference or array
OFFSET
Returns a reference offset from a given reference
ROWS
Returns the number of rows in a reference
RTD
Retrieves real-time data from a program that supports COM automation
SORT
Sorts the contents of a range or array
SORTBY
Sorts the contents of a range or array based on the values in a corresponding range or array
TRANSPOSE
Returns the transpose of an array
UNIQUE
Returns a list of unique values in a list or range
VLOOKUP
Looks in the first column of an array and moves across the row to return the value of a cell
XLOOKUP
Searches a range or an array, and returns an item corresponding to the first match it finds If a match doesn't exist, then XLOOKUP can return the closest (approximate) match
XMATCH
Returns the relative position of an item in an array or range of cells