Show formulas instead of values in Excel: Ctrl+`

Show formulas instead of values in Excel: Ctrl+` (Mac: Ctrl+`)

Windows	Ctrl+`
Mac	Ctrl+`
Group	formula

Practice this shortcut

Drill: Show the formulas. Free, no sign-up.

What it does and when to use it

Ctrl+` (the key above Tab) switches the whole sheet between showing values and showing formulas. One press reveals the hard-coded number hiding in a column of formulas; a second press switches back.

The common mistake

Leaving it on and wondering why the columns are wide and the numbers are gone.

Related shortcuts

Create names from labels Select labels and values, Ctrl+Shift+F3, Enter
Insert a function by name Shift+F3, type the name, Enter
Add a note to a cell Shift+F2, type, Esc
Repeat the last action F4 (or Ctrl+Y)
Lock a reference with F4 F2, F4
The printable cheat sheet

Questions

How do I see all the formulas in a sheet at once?

Ctrl+`. For a printout, print while it is on; for a list, Go To Special with Formulas selects every formula cell.

Learn it by pressing it

Shortcutdrill gives you a task on a live sheet and a limit on key presses, so the shortcut has to become a reflex. Twenty-five drills are free; Pro unlocks all 80 for $9 a month, $29 a year, or $49 once.

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