How to Use the Excel Formula Bar

Show or Hide the Formula Bar

1. Using the View Tab

• Go to the View tab.
• In the Show group, select Formula Bar to display it.
• Deselect it to hide the Formula Bar.

2. Keyboard Shortcut

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

Expand or Collapse the Formula Bar

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.

Enter and Edit Data in the 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.

Read More: How to Show and Hide Formula Bar in Excel

Insert a Function Using the Formula Bar

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

• Select Function:
  • Pick a function from the list.
  • Press OK.

• Specify Arguments:
  • Provide the necessary arguments.
  • Press OK.

• This is the final output.

Connecting Shapes from 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.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here:

Important Tips

• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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.
2. 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.

Excel Formula Bar: Knowledge Hub

• [Fixed!] Formula Bar Is Not Showing in Excel
• [Fixed!] Formula Bar Shows Different Value Than Cell
• [Fixed!] Formula Bar Not Showing Cell Contents
• [Solved!] Cell Contents Not Visible but Show in Formula Bar
• Hide Formula Bar Using VBA

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