Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2002 and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Watching Cell Values.
There's a nifty feature added in Excel 2002 that allows you to keep an eye on the value of certain cells. This is really handy in large worksheets. Let's say that you have a large worksheet, and you want to track the results at two or three cells all over the worksheet. Follow these steps if you are using Excel 2002 or Excel 2003:
That's it—Excel displays the Watch Window, showing the cell and information about it (name, value, formula, etc.) You can add additional cells by simply repeating the two steps for each cell you want to watch.
If you close the Watch Window, you can later display it again by choosing View | Toolbars | Watch Window. You can also delete cells from the Watch Window by selecting the entry and clicking Delete Watch.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2385) applies to Microsoft Excel 2002 and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Watching Cell Values.
Program Successfully in Excel! This guide will provide you with all the information you need to automate any task in Excel and save time and effort. Learn how to extend Excel's functionality with VBA to create solutions not possible with the standard features. Includes latest information for Excel 2024 and Microsoft 365. Check out Mastering Excel VBA Programming today!
Check boxes, just like those used in Windows dialog boxes, can be a great addition to a worksheet. Here's how to add them ...
Discover MoreYou've reviewed the changes that were made to your workbook using the Highlight Changes tool. Now you need to remove the ...
Discover MoreNeed to display your worksheet in different ways? A quick way to do this is to create views, as described in this tip.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2002 and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: 
Comments