Using Formulas and Functions
- 6/15/2010
- Understanding Formulas and Cell References in Excel
- Creating Simple Cell Formulas
- Assigning Names to Groups of Cells
- Using Names in Formulas
- Creating a Formula That References Values in an Excel Table
- Creating Formulas That Reference Cells in Other Workbooks
- Summing a Group of Cells Without Using a Formula
- Creating a Summary Formula
- Summing with Subtotals and Grand Totals
- Exploring the Excel Function Library
- Using the IF Function
- Checking Formula References
- Debugging Your Formulas
Debugging Your Formulas
When you share a workbook with your colleagues, some of the values in that workbook might change rapidly as new data is entered. For example, workbook data probably will change quickly if you are evaluating stock prices. Stock market values change frequently, so your data will as well. You can monitor the value in a cell even while you’re using another workbook by setting a watch. When you set a watch, the values of the cells you’re monitoring appear in the Watch Window.
Another way you can monitor your data is to check the result of part of a calculation by using the Evaluate Formula dialog box. When you click the Evaluate Formula button, Excel displays the formula in the active cell and the subtotal for part of the calculation. You can move through the formula bit by bit, with Excel showing you the result of each piece of the formula.
Monitor a Formula for Changes
Click the Formulas tab.
Click Watch Window.
Click Add Watch.
Select the cells you want to watch.
Click Add.
Click Watch Window.
Delete a Watch
Click the Formulas tab.
Click Watch Window.
Click the watch you want to delete.
Click Delete Watch.
Click the Close button.
Evaluate Parts of a Formula
Click the cell with the formula you want to evaluate.
Click the Formulas tab.
Click Evaluate Formula.
Click Evaluate (one or more times) to move through the formula’s elements.
Click Close.
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