Use F9 in the Formula Bar to Test a Formula
January 19, 2022 - by Bill Jelen
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Problem: I have a complex formula that does not appear to be providing the correct result. The formula has multiple terms, and I am not sure which part is not working correctly.
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Strategy: You can use F9 to test a formula. Here’s how:
1. Select cell C25 and press F2 to put the cell in Edit mode. In this mode, each cell reference in the formula is color coded. The $C$9 text in the formula is blue, and the outline around C9 is blue.
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2. To selectively calculate just a portion of the formula, use the mouse to highlight a portion of the formula.
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3. Press the F9 key. The highlighted portion of the formula will be replaced with the current result of the formula.
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4. Press the Esc key to return to the original formula.
Additional Details: If you press F9 without selecting anything, it will calculate the entire formula and replace it in the result.
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This article is an excerpt from Power Excel With MrExcel
Title photo by Ben Mullins on Unsplash