Excel is a powerhouse when it comes to data analysis and spreadsheet management. Among its many functions, FORMULATEXT stands out as an essential tool for those who work with complex formulas and need better visibility of their calculations. In this post, I will dive deep into how FORMULATEXT works in Excel and showcase the best FORMULATEXT examples.
What is FORMULATEXT in Excel?
FORMULATEXT is a built-in Excel function that returns a formula as a text string from a referenced cell. Instead of showing the result of a formula, it displays the actual formula itself.
This function is particularly useful when auditing spreadsheets, troubleshooting errors, or documenting complex formulas. Instead of manually checking each formula, FORMULATEXT provides an instant way to reveal them.
Syntax of FORMULATEXT
The syntax for FORMULATEXT is simple:
=FORMULATEXT(reference)- reference – A reference to the cell containing the formula you want to display.
If the referenced cell contains a formula, FORMULATEXT returns that formula as text. If the cell doesn’t contain a formula, it returns an error.
Practical Examples of FORMULATEXT
Let’s go through some practical use cases where FORMULATEXT can improve efficiency and transparency in Excel.
Example 1: Displaying a Cell’s Formula
| Formula | Displayed Formula |
|---|---|
| =A1+B1 | =FORMULATEXT(A2) |
If cell A2 contains =A1+B1 and we type =FORMULATEXT(A2) in another cell, it returns "=A1+B1". This is particularly useful for auditing spreadsheets.
Example 2: Using FORMULATEXT for Documentation
FORMULATEXT can be helpful when documenting complex formulas within a spreadsheet. Instead of writing down long formulas manually, you can use FORMULATEXT and reference other cells containing formulas.
Example 3: Error Handling with IFERROR
Since FORMULATEXT returns an error if the referenced cell does not contain a formula, you can combine it with IFERROR to avoid #N/A errors.
=IFERROR(FORMULATEXT(A1), "No formula in cell")This approach ensures that if A1 does not contain a formula, Excel will display “No formula in cell” instead of an error.
Example 4: Checking If a Cell Contains a Formula
You can use a logical test to check if a cell contains a formula:
=IF(ISFORMULA(A1), "Yes, it's a formula", "No, it's not a formula")The ISFORMULA function works similarly to FORMULATEXT but returns TRUE/FALSE instead of the actual formula.
Common Errors with FORMULATEXT
- #N/A – This happens when the referenced cell does not contain a formula.
- #VALUE! – If the reference is invalid, Excel may return a VALUE error.
When Should You Use FORMULATEXT?
FORMULATEXT is an excellent function in several situations:
- Spreadsheet Auditing: Helps reveal hidden formulas at a glance.
- Documentation: Makes it easier to document complex formulas dynamically.
- Error Troubleshooting: Identify errors in formulas quickly.
- Teaching Excel: Shows formulas instead of values for learning purposes.
Final Thoughts
FORMULATEXT is a simple but powerful Excel function that makes formula auditing, documentation, and error handling much easier. Whether you’re troubleshooting a complex spreadsheet or documenting calculations, FORMULATEXT provides clear visibility into how Excel processes data.
Other interesting article:
How SEQUENCE works in Excel? Best SEQUENCE examples