This application provides a sequence-based signal processing method and apparatus. A sequence meeting a requirement for sending a signal by using a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is determined. The sequence is a sequence {fn} including N elements, and fn is an element in the sequence {fn}. The determined sequence {fn} is a sequence that meets a preset condition. Then the N elements in the sequence {fn} are respectively mapped to N subcarriers to generate and send a first signal. With the determined sequence, when the signal is sent by using the PUCCH, a low cross-correlation between sequences can be maintained, and a relatively small peak to average power ratio (PAPR) value and a relatively small and cubic metric (CM) value can be maintained. Therefore, a requirement in a communications application environment in which the signal is sent by using the PUCCH is met.