Lookup & Reference
Excel 2013
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=FORMULATEXT()
Returns a formula as a string.
Applies To:
Excel for Microsoft 365Excel for Microsoft 365 for MacExcel 2024Excel 2024 for MacExcel 2021Excel 2021 for MacExcel 2019Excel 2016
=FORMULATEXT(reference)
Hover argument names in the table for details.
Output typeText
Popularity25 / 100
VolatileNo
Dynamic ArrayNo
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◧ Arguments
| Argument | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
reference |
Reference | Required | A reference to a cell or range of cells. |
▣ Examples
The formula in C2 returns the formula it finds in cell A2 as a text string so that you can easily inspect its structure. The formula entered in A2 is =TODAY(), and will return the current day in A2. The formula =TODAY() should appear as text in C2.
=TODAY()
Result:
=FORMULATEXT(A2)
§ Remarks
- The FORMULATEXT function returns what is displayed in the formula bar if you select the referenced cell.
- The Reference argument can be to another worksheet or workbook.
- If the Reference argument is to another workbook that is not open, FORMULATEXT returns the #N/A error value.
- If the Reference argument is to an entire row or column, or to a range or defined name containing more than one cell, FORMULATEXT returns the value in the upper leftmost cell of the row, column, or range.
- In the following cases, FORMULATEXT returns the #N/A error value: The cell used as the Reference argument does not contain a formula. The formula in the cell is longer than 8192 characters. The formula can't be displayed in the worksheet; for example, due to worksheet protection. An external workbook that contains the formula is not open in Excel.
- Invalid data types used as inputs will produce a #VALUE! error value.
- Entering a reference to the cell in which you are entering the function as the argument won't result in a circular reference warning. FORMULATEXT will successfully return the formula as text in the cell.
✦ Tips
- The FORMULATEXT function returns what is displayed in the formula bar if you select the referenced cell.
- The Reference argument can be to another worksheet or workbook.
- If the Reference argument is to an entire row or column, or to a range or defined name containing more than one cell, FORMULATEXT returns the value in the upper leftmost cell of the row, column, or range.
- Entering a reference to the cell in which you are entering the function as the argument won't result in a circular reference warning. FORMULATEXT will successfully return the formula as text in the cell.
⚠ Common Errors
#N/A
If the Reference argument is to another workbook that is not open, FORMULATEXT returns the #N/A error value. In the following cases, FORMULATEXT returns the #N/A error value: The cell used as the Reference argument does not contain a formula.
Fix: Check the input cell or manage the error with IFNA
#VALUE!
Invalid data types used as inputs will produce a #VALUE! error value.
Fix: برای Reference مرجع سلول معتبر وارد کنید، نه مقدار متنی یا عددی نامعتبر.
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