What You'll Learn / Key Take-Aways

- ROW returns the row number of a cell reference; ROWS returns how many rows are in an array or range.

- COLUMN returns the column number of a reference; COLUMNS returns how many columns are in an array or range.

- Leaving the argument blank returns the row or column of the cell containing the formula.

- ROW/ROWS/COLUMN/COLUMNS are usually used as components inside larger formulas to create dynamic ranges, generate sequences, or drive INDEX/OFFSET logic.

- Watch out: ROWS/COLUMNS measure size, not content. To count non-empty cells use COUNTA or COUNT.

## What these functions do, simply

- ROW(reference)

- Returns the row number of the supplied reference. Example: ROW(A5) returns 5.

- If you call ROW() with no argument, it returns the row number of the cell with the formula.

- ROWS(array)

- Returns the number of rows in the given array or range. Example: ROWS(A1:A10) returns 10.

- COLUMN(reference)

- Returns the column number of the supplied reference. Example: COLUMN(C1) returns 3 because C is the third column.

- Calling COLUMN() with no argument returns the column number of the cell containing the formula.

- COLUMNS(array)

- Returns the number of columns in a given array or range. Example: COLUMNS(A1:C1) returns 3.

These functions are small but powerful when used as building blocks in more complex formulas.

## Practical examples and common use cases

### 1) Generate a dynamic index column

If you need a numbered list that adapts to inserted or deleted rows, use ROW or a formula based on ROWS.

- Simple sequence using ROW alone

- In cell A2 enter: `=ROW()-1`

- Fill down. This produces 1, 2, 3 relative to the header in row 1. The subtraction adjusts the starting index.

- Sequence limited to a specific range using ROWS

- If you want a position within a named range `DataRange`: `=ROW(A2)-ROW(DataRange)+1`

- That returns the relative row number inside DataRange for each row.

### 2) Build dynamic ranges for INDEX or OFFSET

Use ROWS and COLUMNS to size a range that expands or contracts.

- Dynamic height for OFFSET

- Example: `=SUM(OFFSET($B$2,0,0,ROWS($B$2:$B$100)))`

- This sums a vertical range whose height is determined by ROWS. Replace the array with a dynamic range or structured reference.

- INDEX with relative row

- Example: `=INDEX($B:$B,ROW()-1)` returns the value one row above the current cell in column B.

### 3) Use inside array formulas or with SEQUENCE

When working with dynamic arrays (Excel 365/2021), ROW and COLUMN combinations are often used to create matrices or reference offsets.

- Create a 3-by-5 grid of numbers starting at 1:

- `=SEQUENCE(ROWS(A1:A3),COLUMNS(A1:E1))` if you want to use existing ranges to define dimensions.

- Use ROW within SUMPRODUCT to simulate conditional sums without helper columns.

### 4) Determine shape of a user-defined array

When you build arrays inside formulas, ROWS and COLUMNS tell you their dimensions. Example:

- `=ROWS({1;2;3})` returns 3 because that array has three rows.

- `=COLUMNS({1,2,3})` returns 3 because that array has three columns.

This is handy when you are generating arrays on the fly or constructing formulas that branch by array size.

## Relative vs absolute behavior you need to know

- ROW() and COLUMN() with no argument are relative to the cell that contains the formula. Copy the formula and its returned values change.

- ROW(A1) always returns 1 regardless of where you paste the formula. The reference itself determines the result.

- When you use `ROW(range)` where range spans many rows, you might get an array of numbers when used inside a dynamic array-enabled Excel. In older Excel you may need to enter as a legacy array formula.

## Useful combinations and patterns

- Combine with MATCH to find relative positions: `=MATCH(value,INDEX(range,0),0)` but you can also compute position with `=MATCH(value,range) - ROW(range) + 1` to get the index within the range.

- Use with SUMPRODUCT to avoid volatile functions: Example to sum the nth column dynamically:

- `=SUMPRODUCT((COLUMN($B$1:$Z$1)=n)*($B$2:$Z$100))`

- Create running totals that adapt to inserted rows by building row-based offsets rather than hard-coded ranges.

## Additional Tips, Pitfalls to Avoid & Pro Advice

- ROWS/COLUMNS measure shape, not content. They return the number of rows or columns in a range regardless of empty cells. Use COUNTA or COUNT to count entries.

- Do not confuse column number with Excel column letter. COLUMN(A1) returns 1. To convert a number to a letter you need a helper formula or function.

- Avoid volatile functions like OFFSET unless you must. Combine ROWS/COLUMNS with INDEX to create nonvolatile dynamic ranges.

- In Excel 365/2021, ROW(range) can spill an array of row numbers. Use `@` or wrap with INDEX if you want a single value in a legacy-compatible way.

- When building formulas that will be copied across columns and rows, test both horizontal and vertical copy directions so your relative math still works.

## FAQ

### What is the difference between ROW and ROWS in Excel?

ROW returns the row number of a single reference or the row of the cell if left blank. ROWS returns how many rows are in a supplied array or range. One returns a position, the other returns a size.

### What happens if I leave the reference out of ROW or COLUMN?

If you call ROW() or COLUMN() with no argument, Excel returns the row or column number of the cell that contains the formula. This is a quick way to get a formula-driven index that follows the row or column position.

### Can I use ROWS to count non-empty rows?

No. ROWS returns the count of rows in a range regardless of whether cells are empty. Use COUNTA or COUNTIFS to count non-empty cells or rows that meet conditions.

### Are these functions compatible with older Excel versions?

Yes. ROW, ROWS, COLUMN, and COLUMNS have been in Excel for a long time and work in older versions. Dynamic spilling behavior for arrays may differ in older Excel.

### How do I use ROW with INDEX to make a dynamic lookup?

You can calculate a position using ROW minus the starting row and then use INDEX to pull the corresponding item. Example: `=INDEX(DataRange,ROW()-ROW(DataRange)+1)` when placed next to DataRange.

## Summary of Key Points / Take-Home Messages

- ROW and COLUMN return positions; ROWS and COLUMNS return sizes.

- Use blank arguments to get the current cell position when needed.

- These functions are most powerful when used as parts of larger, dynamic formulas like INDEX, OFFSET, SUMPRODUCT, and SEQUENCE.

- Remember the distinction between shape and content. Use the right function for counting values versus measuring dimensions.

- Test your formulas when copying across rows and columns so relative calculations hold up.