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The FORMULATEXT function in Excel is a useful tool that allows users to display the formula of a cell as text. This function can be used by simply selecting the target cell and typing “=FORMULATEXT(cell reference)” into another cell. This will show the full formula used in the selected cell as a text string, making it easier for users to understand and reference their calculations. This feature is particularly helpful for sharing and reviewing complex formulas with others, as well as troubleshooting errors in formulas. By using the FORMULATEXT function, users can easily and accurately display the formulas used in their Excel sheets as text.
This article describes the formula syntax and usage of the FORMULATEXT function in Microsoft Excel.
Description
Returns a formula as a string.
Syntax
FORMULATEXT(reference)
The FORMULATEXT function syntax has the following arguments.
Reference Required. A reference to a cell or range of cells.
Remarks
The FORMULATEXT function returns what is displayed in the formula bar if you select the referenced cell.
The Reference argument can be to another worksheet or workbook.
If the Reference argument is to another workbook that is not open, FORMULATEXT returns the #N/A error value.
If the Reference argument is to an entire row or column, or to a range or defined name containing more than one cell, FORMULATEXT returns the value in the upper leftmost cell of the row, column, or range.
In the following cases, FORMULATEXT returns the #N/A error value:
The cell used as the Reference argument does not contain a formula.
The formula in the cell is longer than 8192 characters.
The formula can’t be displayed in the worksheet; for example, due to worksheet protection.
An external workbook that contains the formula is not open in Excel.
Invalid data types used as inputs will produce a #VALUE! error value.
Entering a reference to the cell in which you are entering the function as the argument won’t result in a circular reference warning. FORMULATEXT will successfully return the formula as text in the cell.
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). How can I use the FORMULATEXT function in Excel to display the formula of a cell as text?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-formulatext-function-in-excel-to-display-the-formula-of-a-cell-as-text/
stats writer. "How can I use the FORMULATEXT function in Excel to display the formula of a cell as text?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 29 Jun. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-formulatext-function-in-excel-to-display-the-formula-of-a-cell-as-text/.
stats writer. "How can I use the FORMULATEXT function in Excel to display the formula of a cell as text?." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-formulatext-function-in-excel-to-display-the-formula-of-a-cell-as-text/.
stats writer (2024) 'How can I use the FORMULATEXT function in Excel to display the formula of a cell as text?', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-use-the-formulatext-function-in-excel-to-display-the-formula-of-a-cell-as-text/.
[1] stats writer, "How can I use the FORMULATEXT function in Excel to display the formula of a cell as text?," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, June, 2024.
stats writer. How can I use the FORMULATEXT function in Excel to display the formula of a cell as text?. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.