A sequence-based signal processing method and apparatus are provided. 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} consisting of 12 elements, fn represents an element in the sequence {fn}, and the determined sequence {fn} is a sequence meeting a preset condition. Then, the 12 elements in the sequence {fn} are respectively mapped to 12 subcarriers, to generate a first signal, and the first signal is sent. By using the determined sequence, when the signal is sent by using the PUCCH, a low correlation between sequences can be maintained, and a relatively small peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) value and a relatively small cubic metric (CM) value can be maintained. Therefore, a requirement of a communication application environment in which the signal is sent by using the PUCCH is met.