Advanced Excel · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 3: Dynamic Array Formulas · Lesson 2 of 3

SEQUENCE and LET

Generate series with SEQUENCE and make long formulas readable with LET.

In this lesson you will

  • Generate numbers and dates with SEQUENCE
  • Name intermediate results with LET

Key concepts

SEQUENCEdate seriesLETreadable formulas

The lesson

SEQUENCE creates lists of numbers: =SEQUENCE(12) gives 1 to 12, and =EOMONTH(start, SEQUENCE(12)-1) lists twelve month ends for a report header.

LET names parts of a formula so they are calculated once and read clearly: =LET(juba, FILTER(Sales[Amount], Sales[Branch]="Juba"), SUM(juba)/COUNT(juba)).

Readable formulas are easier to check and maintain, especially when someone else inherits the workbook.

Step by step

  1. Create a month header with SEQUENCE.
  2. Rewrite a long formula with LET.
  3. Compare readability with a colleague.
  4. Check the results match.

Practice activity

Add a dynamic month header and a LET-based average to the branch report.

Expected result: A correct header and a readable formula that gives the same result as before.

Check your understanding

  1. What does =SEQUENCE(5) return?

    Show answer

    The numbers 1 to 5 in a column.

  2. Why use LET?

    Show answer

    To name parts of a formula, making it readable and avoiding repeated calculation.

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