How to Use the Excel Formula Bar

Show or Hide the Formula Bar

Showing the Excel Formula Bar using the View tab

Press the shortcut keys Alt + W + V + F sequentially to hide or show the Formula Bar.

Hiding the Formula Bar using Keyboard Shortcut

You have a few options:

Mouse Cursor:
- Hover your mouse cursor between the Name Box and the Formula Bar.
- Drag it left to expand or right to collapse the Formula Bar horizontally.
Vertical Adjustment:
- Position your cursor under the Formula Bar.
- Drag downward to expand or upward to contract it vertically.
Toggle Button:
- On the right side of the Formula Bar, there’s a toggle button.
- Click it to expand or collapse the Formula Bar.
- Alternatively, press Ctrl + Shift + U.

expand or collapse Excel formula bar

Entering Data:
- Select a cell.
- Enter your data directly into the Formula Bar.
- Click the green checkmark to accept or the red cross to cancel.
Editing Data:
- Click the cell containing data.
- Edit it directly in the Formula Bar.

enter and edit data using Excel formula bar

Select Output Cell:
- Choose the cell where you want the result.
- Press the Insert Function button (fx symbol).

insert function dialog box

function arguments dialog box

final output of insert function option of the formula bar

Linking Shapes:
- Click on a shape.
- In the Formula Bar, enter “=” (equals sign).
- Select another cell to link the shape with data.

Linking with a shape using the Excel Formula Bar

You can download the practice workbook from here:

Formula Bar in Excel.xlsx

Always start formulas with the equal sign (=) in the Excel Formula Bar.
In Excel 365, hover over any part of a formula to see its calculated value. In older versions, select a portion and press F9.
Use absolute cell references (e.g., $A$1) to prevent formulas from changing unintentionally.

Can I Change the Font Size in the Formula Bar?
- Yes! Go to File > Options > Accessibility.
- Adjust the font size under Document display options.
- Restart Excel to apply the change.
What Are the Usable Keyboard Shortcuts in the Formula Bar?
- F2: Enable edit mode.
- F4: Toggle between relative, absolute, and hybrid cell referencing.
- Ctrl + A: Select all contents.
- Ctrl + C: Cut contents.
- Ctrl + V: Paste contents.
- Ctrl + X: Cut contents.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo.
- Ctrl + Y: Redo.
- Ctrl + Home: Move cursor to the far left.
- Ctrl + End: Move cursor to the far right.
- Ctrl + Right Arrow: Move cursor one word right.
- Ctrl + Left Arrow: Move cursor one word left.
- Shift + F3: Open the Insert Function dialog box.
- Ctrl + Shift + U: Expand or collapse the Formula Bar.