Viewing Google Sheets formulas can seem like a daunting task, but fear not, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be viewing formulas in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to View Google Sheets Formulas
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what we’re about to do. Google Sheets formulas are the equations that perform calculations on the data in your spreadsheet. They are hidden behind the scenes but are easy to reveal with a few clicks.
Step 1: Open your Google Sheets document
Open the Google Sheets document where you want to view the formulas.
This is the first and most obvious step. If you don’t have a Google Sheets document open yet, go ahead and do that now.
Step 2: Select the cell with the formula
Click on the cell that contains the formula you want to view.
When you click on a cell that contains a formula, the formula will appear in the formula bar at the top of the screen.
Step 3: View the formula in the formula bar
The formula from the selected cell will be displayed in the formula bar.
The formula bar is located above the spreadsheet and below the toolbar. It’s where you can view and edit formulas.
After completing these steps, you’ll be able to see the formula that’s behind the numbers in your spreadsheet.
Tips: Viewing Google Sheets Formulas
- You can also view all formulas in the sheet by pressing
Ctrl + ~(tilde) on your keyboard. - If you’re having trouble finding the formula bar, make sure it’s enabled by going to View > Show formula bar.
- To copy a formula, just select it in the formula bar and use
Ctrl + C. - If you want to move a formula, you can cut and paste it using
Ctrl + XandCtrl + V. - Remember that formulas in Google Sheets start with an equal sign (
=).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a formula in Google Sheets?
A formula in Google Sheets is an equation that calculates data in your spreadsheet. It’s like a magic spell that makes numbers do what you want!
Can I see formulas on the Google Sheets app?
Yes, you can view formulas in the Google Sheets app. Just tap on the cell with the formula and look at the formula bar.
How do I know if a cell has a formula?
Cells with a formula will usually have a different color or style of text. Plus, when you click on the cell, the formula will show up in the formula bar!
Why can’t I see the formula bar?
If you can’t see the formula bar, it might be hidden. Go to View > Show formula bar to make it visible.
Can I edit a formula in Google Sheets?
Absolutely! Just click on the cell, make your changes in the formula bar, and hit enter. Voila, formula updated!
Summary
- Open your Google Sheets document.
- Select the cell with the formula.
- View the formula in the formula bar.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned how to view Google Sheets formulas, you’re well on your way to becoming a spreadsheet wizard! Remember, formulas are the heart of any good spreadsheet, and understanding how to view and edit them can take your data analysis to the next level. Plus, it’s a great skill to have in your back pocket for school projects, work tasks, or even managing your personal budget. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as those once-mysterious formulas reveal their secrets! If you ever get stuck or have questions, remember that Google’s own help pages are an excellent resource for all things Google Sheets. Now, go forth and conquer those formulas!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.