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Lookup function

FORMULATEXT

Returns the formula in a cell as text.

OccasionalDifficulty 1100 · ProficientUsage rank #180 of 520
Practice · 2 questions →

When to use it

Shows the formula in another cell as text. Documentation, audits, and teaching sheets.

The shape of it

Syntax
=FORMULATEXT(reference)

Worked examples

  • Show a formula

    =FORMULATEXT(B2) → =A2*1.1

    The formula in B2, as text.

  • Not a formula

    =FORMULATEXT(A1) → #N/A

    A1 holds a constant, not a formula.

  • Guarded

    =IF(ISFORMULA(B2),FORMULATEXT(B2),"") → =A2*1.1

    Blank instead of #N/A for constants.

Worth knowing

  • Put a FORMULATEXT column next to a model to print the logic.
  • Works across sheets and workbooks that are open.
  • ISFORMULA tests without returning the text.

Where it goes wrong

  • #N/A for constants, closed workbooks, or protected sheets with hidden formulas.
  • Shows the formula as entered, not its value.

Related

VLOOKUPXLOOKUPINDEXMATCHROWHLOOKUP

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