Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 16, 2019)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
You probably already know how to display the formulas in cells rather than the results of those formulas, right? If you're like most people, you choose Tools | Options, then on the View tab make sure the Formulas check box is selected.
A much faster way to get the same result is to simply press Ctrl+`. (That's hold down the Ctrl key while you press the accent grave, which is the backwards apostrophe just to the left of the 1 key and above the Tab key.) The shortcut is a toggle, which means that you can press it repeatedly to switch between the display of formulas and results.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2406) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Shortcut for Viewing Formulas.
Excel Smarts for Beginners! Featuring the friendly and trusted For Dummies style, this popular guide shows beginners how to get up and running with Excel while also helping more experienced users get comfortable with the newest features. Check out Excel 2019 For Dummies today!
Excel is often used to process or edit data in some way. For example, you may have a bunch of addresses from which you ...
Discover MoreIf you define your named ranges after you create your formulas, you can have Excel update those formulas to reflect the ...
Discover MoreYou can use some of Excel's worksheet functions across a range or worksheets, but not all of them. One that has problems ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2019-04-03 23:05:56
Dave
Just wanted to thank you for this tip. It worked great and I appreciate your help.
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.
Comments