Objective: Be able to display either formulae or values
In a spreadsheet the cells can contain either a value (the result of a calculation) or a formula (the expression that produces the result).
Being able to switch between these two views is essential for checking work, troubleshooting errors and presenting data clearly.
When to display formulae
Checking that the correct calculation has been entered.
Teaching or demonstrating how a result is derived.
Auditing a worksheet for errors or inconsistencies.
When to display values
Presenting final results to an audience.
Using the data in further analysis or charts.
Printing or exporting the worksheet.
How to show formulae in Microsoft Excel
Select the worksheet you wish to inspect.
Go to the Formulas tab on the ribbon.
Click Show Formulas (or press Ctrl + `).
All cells that contain formulas will now display the formula text (e.g., =A2+B2) instead of the calculated value.
To return to the normal view, click Show Formulas again or press the shortcut a second time.
How to show formulae in Google Sheets
Open the spreadsheet.
From the menu, choose View > Show formulas.
All formula cells will display their expressions.
To hide the formulas, repeat the same menu command.
How to show values (default view)
Both Excel and Google Sheets display values by default. If you have previously turned on “Show Formulas”, simply repeat the steps above to turn the option off. The cells will again show the calculated results.
Practical example
Consider a simple worksheet that calculates the total price for three items.
Cell
Content (when “Show Formulas” is OFF)
Content (when “Show Formulas” is ON)
A1
Quantity of Item 1
Quantity of Item 1
B1
Unit price of Item 1
Unit price of Item 1
C1
=A1*B1
=A1*B1
A2
Quantity of Item 2
Quantity of Item 2
B2
Unit price of Item 2
Unit price of Item 2
C2
=A2*B2
=A2*B2
A3
Quantity of Item 3
Quantity of Item 3
B3
Unit price of Item 3
Unit price of Item 3
C3
=A3*B3
=A3*B3
C4
=SUM(C1:C3)
=SUM(C1:C3)
When “Show Formulas” is OFF, column C will display the calculated totals (e.g., $150). When the option is ON, the same cells will display the formulas (e.g., =A1*B1).
Key points to remember
The shortcut Ctrl + ` toggles formula/value view in Excel.
In Google Sheets the toggle is found under View > Show formulas.
Only cells that contain a formula are affected; cells with plain text or numbers remain unchanged.
Switching views does not alter the underlying data – it only changes what is displayed.
Suggested diagram: A screenshot of a spreadsheet showing the “Show Formulas” button highlighted on the Excel ribbon.