What is a FORMULATEXT Formula in Excel?
The FORMULATEXT function in Excel is a useful tool that allows you to display the formula used in a particular cell as text. This can be particularly helpful for documentation purposes or when you want to review or share the formulas used in your spreadsheet without having to click into each cell.
In simpler terms, the FORMULATEXT function helps you see the underlying formulas in your Excel sheet, making it easier to understand how calculations are being performed.
A Practical Example
Imagine you are working on a financial report, and you have the following data in an Excel spreadsheet:
Financial Data Table:
| Item | Cost | Quantity | Total Cost Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widget A | 10 | 5 | =B2*C2 |
| Widget B | 15 | 3 | =B3*C3 |
| Widget C | 20 | 2 | =B4*C4 |
You want to display the formula used to calculate the total cost for Widget A in another cell.
FORMULATEXT Formula
To display the formula for Widget A, you would use the FORMULATEXT formula as follows:
EXCEL
Breakdown of the Formula:
- D2: This is the cell reference that contains the formula you want to display as text.
Result of the Formula
When you apply the formula, it will show the text of the formula used in cell D2. The output would be:
| Total Cost Formula for Widget A |
|---|
| =B2*C2 |
Here, the formula displayed is exactly what is used to calculate the total cost for Widget A.
Why Use FORMULATEXT?
The FORMULATEXT function is particularly useful when you need to document or review the formulas in your spreadsheet. It allows you to quickly see the calculations behind your data without having to navigate through each cell.
Key Takeaways:
- FORMULATEXT: Displays the formula used in a specified cell as text.
- Documentation: Helps in documenting and reviewing formulas in your spreadsheet.
- Common Use Cases: Ideal for auditing, sharing, and understanding complex calculations in Excel.
Understanding how to use the FORMULATEXT function can significantly enhance your ability to manage and communicate your Excel spreadsheets effectively.
Happy documenting!