Lookup
ROW
Definition
ROW returns the row number of a cell.
Syntax
=ROW([reference])
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
reference |
Optional. The cell whose row number you want, such as C7. If left out, Excel uses the formula cell. |
Worked example
A notes sheet stores a flag in C7 and needs that row number in B2.
| Cell | Value |
|---|---|
| C7 | note |
Formula: =ROW(C7)
Result: 7. C7 sits in row 7 of the sheet.
Practice
Cell A5 holds x. In B2, write a formula that returns the row number of A5.
- In B2, write a ROW formula for A5.
- B2 should show the row of A5.
Step 1 of 2
Enter =ROW(A5) in B2.
A5 is in row 5.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
B2 uses ROW.
B2 now shows 5.
Related functions
INDEX uses a position inside a range, which is not always the sheet row. MATCH can find that position.
Common mistake
Using ROW() with no argument and expecting A5: bare ROW() is the row of the formula cell, so in B2 it returns 2, not 5.