Breaking Down Excel Formulas

In this session, author and Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA, shares techniques you can use to verify the integrity of even the most complicated Excel workbooks. Features covered include Show Formulas, Evaluate Formulas, Trace Precedents, and the FORMULATEXT function. David will contrast editing traditional formulas with dynamic array formulas in Excel 2021 and Excel for Microsoft 365 and writing formulas by using structured references.

Topics covered:

• Utilizing the Error Checking command to locate cells that contain errors within a worksheet.
• Identifying other cells a formula relies on by way of the Trace Precedents feature.
• Transforming cell references into range names by way of the Apply Range Names to Formulas command.
• Utilizing keyboard shortcuts to identify precedent and dependent worksheet cells.
• Displaying all formulas in a worksheet at once with the Show Formulas feature.
• Mastering the IFERROR function to display alternate values in lieu of an error message.
• Saving time writing formulas by choosing named ranges with the Use In Formula command.
• Using the Table feature to improve spreadsheet integrity.
• Understanding the nuance of editing dynamic array-based formulas in Excel 2021 and Microsoft 365.
• Streamline formula writing by creating nicknames for repetitive values with the LET function in Microsoft 365.
• Creating bookmarks and nicknames for key inputs by way of the Create Names from Selection feature.
• Using the function arguments dialog box to deconstruct worksheet formulas.