Fibonacci Numbers

Fibonacci numbers form a sequence. After two starting numbers, each additional number in the sequence is the sum of the two preceding numbers.

The first Fibonacci numbers are:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584 …

Fibonacci Numbers Example

Note: For help with this example, see the image to the right.

To create Fibonacci numbers using spreadsheet formulas:

1. In cell A2 type a zero ( 0 ) and press the Enter key.
   
   
2. In cell B2 type a 1 and press the Enter key.
   
   
3. In cell C2 type the formula =A2 + B2 and press the Enter key.
   
   
4. Click on cell C2.
   
   To copy the formula to the adjacent cells:
   
   
5. Place the mouse pointer over the fill handle in the bottom right corner of cell C2.
   
   
6. Hold down the mouse button on the fill handle and drag to the right to cell S2.
   
   
7. S2 should contain the number 2584.
   
   
8. To continue the Fibonacci numbers, continue dragging to the right with the fill handle.

Related Information

Fibonacci was a very influential mathematician.

To find out more, read this short biography on Fibonacci.