How to Use the Excel ROW Function: A Guide for Beginners

The Excel ROW function is a handy tool for quickly identifying the row number of a given reference. In this guide, we will show you how to use the ROW function in Excel and provide some practical examples. We will also discuss some of the benefits of using the ROW function in your workbook. Let’s get started!

What Does the ROW Function Do?

The ROW function in Excel returns the row number for a reference or a range. For example, ROW(C15) would return 15, since C15 references the 15th row in the spreadsheet. When no reference is provided, ROW returns the row number of the cell which contains the formula.

This is one of the more basic functions in Excel. There are few applications for this function, but we wanted to make certain this website covers anything and everything about Excel.

Where To Find It?

Option 1:

The ROW function can be found in the Formulas tab of Excel under Lookup & Reference

Option 2:

You can use Formula Builder to walk you through the formula step by step.

Option 3:

You can manually type the formula into any cell.

The Formula

=ROW(reference)

reference (optional) – this can be a single row reference or a range for multiple row references. If you leave the reference blank, it will default to the row that contains the formula

The ROW Function shown in Excel's formula builder

Let’s Take a Look at an Example

Excel Workbook

Workbook_ROW_Function Download

Example

Here are a few of the simplest examples we’ve ever published on this website.

First, we will use ROW to return the row for one cell. The formula is simply the cell reference nested within ROW or =ROW(F10). This returns a 10 as the 10th row is referenced.

Second, we will use ROW to return the columns for one range. The formula is the range reference nested within ROW or =ROW(F2:H4). This returns an index showing 2, 3, and 4 in consecutive cells.

Lastly, we will use ROW to return the column number for the column containing the formula. Really getting crazy with these examples. Using the information above, can you get the formula to return a 22 for row 22?

Example of using the ROW Function in Excel

Your turn: Use the workbook and ROW to follow the examples in blue and finish the practice formulas highlighted in green.

Tips and Tricks

I got a #NULL error?

This means that you didn’t fill out your arguments in the correct format. You may have entered A 4 instead of A4 or B2C4 instead of B2:C4. Check your entry and try again.

Let’s Recap

The ROW function is a basic but useful function in Excel. You can use it to return the row number for a reference or a range. It is easy to use, and there are few applications for it. However, it is important to know all the basics if you want to be an Excel master!

Have any questions? Are there other topics you would like us to cover? Leave a comment below and let us know! Make sure to subscribe to our Newsletter to receive exclusive financial news right to your inbox.