Looking for a solution to “Excel cell contents not visible but show in Formula Bar”? Then this is the right article for you. We will discuss the top 5 reasons along with solutions to the issue. Moreover, we will discuss 3 more alternative solutions to this problem at the end of this article.
Cell Contents Are Not Visible But They Show in Formula Bar in Excel: 5 Possible Solutions
To demonstrate our solutions, we have taken a dataset with 3 columns: “Name”, “Weight (lbs)”, and “Weight (kg)”. Basically, this dataset shows the weight information for 6 employees. Sometimes, the cell contents may not be visible inside the cell. However, if we click on it, we can see it on the Formula Bar.
- The top reasons for this issue are:
- First, the font color is the same as the background color.
- Next, the cell format is set to three semicolons, which hide the cell contents.
- Then, the row height is set too small.
- The Text Wrap feature is turned on.
- Finally, the text alignment is indented.
- Moreover, less common reasons are:
- Firstly, the font is unavailable.
- Secondly, the RAM issue.
- Lastly, corrupted the Excel file.
1. Changing Font Color
If the font color is the same as the color of the Excel cell background, then the cell contents will not be visible but will show in the Formula bar. In our dataset, we can see that cell D6 is not visible in the cell, but in the Formula Bar, it is shown. Next, we will change the font color in this section to solve this problem.
Steps:
- Now, all font colors are set to White in our case.
- So, we select the cell range D5:D10.
- Then, from the Home tab → Font Color → select Automatic. This will change the font color to Black.
- After that, we can see the cell contents in Excel.
2. Modifying Cell Format
When there is a Custom Cell Format set, we may not be able to see the Excel cell contents. To check if there is any custom cell formatting set and fix our issue, follow these steps.
Steps:
- At first, select the cell range D5:D10.
- Next, press CTRL+1.
- So, this will bring up the Format Cells dialog box.
- Then, we can see that there are three semicolons. This Custom Format is causing the issue.
- Then, select Number from the Category section.
- Lastly, press OK.
- Thus, we have solved the issue.
Read More: [Fixed] Excel Formula Bar Not Showing Cell Contents
3. Adjusting Row Height
If the row height is smaller, then the cell contents will not be visible in Excel. To fix this, we need to adjust the row heights.
Steps:
- To begin with, select row 5 and right-click on it to bring up the Context Menu.
- Then, select Row Height.
- So, the Row Height box will pop up.
- Then, set Row Height to 47.5 and press OK.
- After that, it will make the cell value in B5 visible.
- Again, there is another cell that needs to be resized.
- We can double-click between rows 8 and 9 to AutoFit row 8.
- Thus, this third solution works for our issue, and this is what the final image should look like.
Read More: How to Reduce the Size of Formula Bar in Excel
4. Turning Off Wrap Text Feature
Now we have the same dataset from method 3. We can turn off the Text Wrap feature to solve the issue of “Excel cell contents not visible but show in Formula Bar”.
Steps:
- Firstly, select the cell range B5:B10.
- Secondly, from the Home tab → deselect Wrap Text.
- So, the cell contents will be visible once again.
5. Changing Text Alignment
When the text alignments are indented, then the cell contents will not be visible in Excel. However, the Formula Bar will show the value. If this is the case for us, we need to change the text alignment in the Format Cells window.
Steps:
- First, select cell B6 and press CTRL+1 to bring up the Format Cells window.
- Then, from the Alignment tab, we can see that the indent is 30.
- Afterward, set the Indent to 0 and press OK.
- Lastly, repeat this for cell B8, and the final output will be similar to this.
Read More: [Fixed!] Excel Formula Bar Not Showing Text
Other Solutions for Excel Cell Contents Not Visible but Show in Formula Bar
If these 5 steps do not solve the issue for you, then you can try these 3 additional solutions.
- RAM Issue: When there is a RAM issue, the Excel file may not show the cell contents. Closing and reopening the Excel file should fix the problem.
- Font Not Available: If you download the file and the used fonts are not available on your computer, then you will not be able to see the cell contents. To fix this, install that font or change the font.
- Corrupt Excel File: If there is a problem in your Excel file, then the cell contents will not be visible but will show in the Formula Bar. Recovering the corrupted Excel file is a solution when this happens. There are also various online tools available for this.
Practice Section
We have added a practice dataset for each method in the Excel file. Therefore, you can follow along with our methods easily.
Download Practice Workbook
Conclusion
We have shown you the top 5 reasons with solutions to the issue of “Excel cell contents not visible but show in Formula Bar”. If you face any problems regarding these methods or have any feedback for me, feel free to comment below. Thanks for reading. Keep excelling!
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