When creating formulas in Microsoft® Excel®, the expected result is not always returned, and if a complex formula is being used, it can be time consuming to find where the error is occurring. Luckily there is an easy way to audit complex formulas in Excel.
In this tip we explain how you can quickly and easily audit complex formulas, to ensure that your results are what you want. If you have a formula and it doesn’t give you the result that you expect, you can use the F9 shortcut to inspect it.
Applies To: Microsoft® Excel® 2010, 2013 and 2016.
Follow the steps below to complete your Excel spreadsheet audit:
- Select your formula by either double clicking or pressing F2 on the cell.
- Highlight the formula with your mouse and press F9.
- This will display the result of the selection.
- To revert to your formula press escape or the undo button.
By pressing F9 you can quickly correct errors in complex formulas, this will make your spreadsheet data more accurate and streamline your process. It can also be used to inspect or audit formulas by displaying results of a formula.
This will lead to increased productivity because your spreadsheets will be more accurate and in the long run it will save you plenty of time.
