Guide on How to Generate Fibonacci Sequence in Excel

Google
1

This guide explains how to generate a Fibonacci sequence using Microsoft Excel.

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, typically starting from 0 and 1.

Numbers within this sequence are known as Fibonacci numbers, commonly denoted as Fn. These numbers have numerous applications because the sequence appears frequently in biological systems and possesses unique mathematical properties.

In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to create the Fibonacci sequence in Excel. We will cover both generating the sequence from 0 and 1 using addition and calculating the nth Fibonacci number with Binet’s formula.

How to Generate Fibonacci Sequence in Excel

Using Binet’s Formula

Binet’s formula allows you to directly calculate the nth term of the Fibonacci sequence. This is particularly useful when you need a specific Fibonacci number without generating the entire sequence.

Assuming the value of n is in cell A2, use the following Excel formula:

=ROUND((POWER((1+SQRT(5))/2, A2) - POWER((1-SQRT(5))/2, A2)) / SQRT(5), 0)

This formula calculates Fn based on the input value in cell A2. For instance, to find F11, enter 11 into cell A2. The formula will return 89. You can adjust the value in A2 to calculate any Fibonacci number directly.

Using Addition to Generate the Fibonacci Sequence

Let’s explore a straightforward method to reproduce the Fibonacci sequence in Excel.

The sequence traditionally starts with 0 and 1, defined as F0 = 0 and F1 = 1.

Step 1: Enter the values 0 and 1 into cells A1 and A2 in your Excel sheet. These will be the starting points for the sequence (F0 and F1).

Step 2: In cell A3, enter the formula =A1+A2 to calculate the third number in the sequence (F2). This formula adds the two preceding Fibonacci numbers.

Step 3: Evaluate the formula to display the next Fibonacci number in the sequence.

Step 4: Use the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right of cell A3) to drag the formula down. Excel will automatically update the cell references to ensure each subsequent formula adds the two previous numbers in the sequence.

FAQs

  • Are there Excel functions specifically for Fibonacci sequences?

    Excel doesn’t have dedicated functions for Fibonacci sequences. Instead, you use standard mathematical functions to generate them.

  • What formula calculates the nth Fibonacci number in Excel?

    The formula =ROUND((POWER((1+SQRT(5))/2, A2) - POWER((1-SQRT(5))/2, A2)) / SQRT(5), 0) calculates the nth Fibonacci number. Replace A2 with the cell containing the value of n.

These methods provide practical ways to generate Fibonacci sequences within Excel.