How to Show Formulas in Google Sheets
Ever get tired of clicking on each cell in Google Sheets just to see what formula is behind a number? Well, there’s a quicker way to reveal all your formulas at once. By changing a simple setting, you can display the formulas in your spreadsheet instead of their results. This makes it way easier to review and debug your work. Here’s how to do it step by step.
How to Show Formulas in Google Sheets
This section will guide you through the steps to display all the formulas in your Google Sheets. By following these instructions, you can easily toggle between showing the results and showing the formulas.
Step 1: Open Google Sheets
Open your Google Sheets document.
Once you have your spreadsheet open, you’re ready to start. Just make sure you are in the Sheet where you want to show the formulas.
Step 2: Navigate to the Menu
Click on the "View" option in the top menu bar.
The "View" menu has a bunch of useful options, and this is where you’ll find the setting to show formulas.
Step 3: Select "Show Formulas"
Click on the "Show formulas" option from the dropdown menu.
By selecting "Show formulas," you will immediately switch your spreadsheet from showing the results to showing the formulas in each cell.
What Happens Next
After you complete these steps, all the cells containing formulas will display the actual formulas instead of the results. This allows you to easily see what calculations are being made and edit them if needed.
Tips for How to Show Formulas in Google Sheets
- If you press
Ctrl + ~(tilde) on your keyboard, it will also toggle the formulas on and off. - To revert to showing the results, just go back to "View" and unselect "Show formulas."
- This feature is handy for debugging complex spreadsheets.
- Remember that showing formulas can make your spreadsheet look cluttered, so turn it off when you’re done reviewing.
- Make sure to save your work before making these changes, just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I show formulas for specific cells only?
No, the "Show formulas" feature applies to the entire sheet. However, you can manually check individual cells by clicking on them.
Will showing formulas affect the spreadsheet’s performance?
Not at all. Showing formulas is purely a display setting and won’t impact the performance.
How do I hide the formulas again?
You can hide formulas by going back to the "View" menu and unchecking the "Show formulas" option, or by pressing Ctrl + ~ again.
Can this be done on mobile devices?
Currently, this feature is only available in the desktop version of Google Sheets.
Why are my formulas not showing even after selecting "Show formulas"?
Make sure you don’t have any filters turned on that might be hiding certain rows or columns.
Summary of How to Show Formulas in Google Sheets
- Open Google Sheets.
- Navigate to the Menu.
- Select "Show Formulas."
Conclusion
By learning how to show formulas in Google Sheets, you can make your spreadsheet work much more efficient. Whether you’re trying to debug a complex formula or simply want to understand how data is being calculated, this feature is a lifesaver. Remember, you can easily toggle back and forth between showing results and showing formulas, making it a flexible tool to have in your Google Sheets skill set.
Understanding how to manipulate these settings can save you a ton of time and frustration. Plus, it’s super simple to do. If you found this tutorial helpful, feel free to explore more Google Sheets tips and tricks. Keep experimenting and don’t hesitate to dive deeper into the various features Google Sheets offers. Happy spreadsheeting!
Matt has been working with WordPress and creating content using this powerful content management system for years. While he has written about many other tech topics, WordPress is one of his favorites.
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