Wauvel

Excel like a finance pro.

← The library

Formulas shortcut

Trace precedents

Alt, M, P on Windows, None on Mac.

OccasionalDifficulty 1150 · Proficient
Practice · 2 questions →

When to use it

Trace Precedents: draws arrows from the cells a formula uses to the formula cell.

The shape of it

Windows
Alt, M, P
Mac
None

Worked examples

  • Trace inputs

    Select a formula, Alt, M, P → Blue arrows point from its inputs

    See the sources.

  • Next level

    Alt, M, P again → Arrows for the next level back

    Follow the chain.

  • Remove arrows

    Alt, M, A, A → Remove all arrows

    Cleanup.

Worth knowing

  • A dashed arrow to a sheet icon means an input on another sheet; double-click it to jump.
  • Ctrl + [ selects the same cells instead of drawing.
  • Arrows print unless removed.

Where it goes wrong

  • Arrows clutter fast on dense models.
  • INDIRECT references are not traced.

Related

F4Alt + =F9Ctrl + `Ctrl + Shift + EnterCtrl + F3

Learn the moves here — or let Wauvel run them on your numbers.

Meet your AI CFO →

One CFO-grade Excel tip a week

A short, practical email for finance operators — functions, shortcuts, and the moves that save an afternoon. Free, unsubscribe anytime.