Overview
In Excel, the “Formulas” tab is one of the default tabs in the Excel ribbon. It provides a range of tools and features for working with formulas and calculations in your worksheets.
Key Features on the “Formulas” Tab:
Function Library:
This group contains a wide variety of built-in functions that you can use in your formulas. It includes functions for mathematical calculations, text manipulation, logical operations, date and time calculations, and more. You can browse through different categories and select the appropriate function for your needs.
Defined Names:
This group allows you to manage named ranges and create new names for cells or ranges. Named ranges provide a way to refer to specific cells or ranges using a meaningful name instead of cell references.
Formula Auditing:
This group provides tools for auditing and debugging formulas. It includes features like tracing precedents and dependents, which help you understand how cells are linked to each other through formulas. You can also evaluate formulas and check for errors within your worksheet.
Calculation:
This group allows you to control the calculation settings for your worksheet. You can choose between automatic or manual calculation modes, recalculate the sheet, and adjust calculation options.
Error Checking:
This group helps you identify and resolve errors in your formulas. It provides options for checking errors, navigating through error cells, and accessing error checking options.
Calculation Options:
This option allows you to specify the calculation mode and settings for your workbook, such as precision, iteration, and other calculation-related parameters.
Function Library
To access the Function Library in the Formulas tab of Excel using a screen reader, follow these steps:
- Open Excel and navigate to the worksheet you want to work with.
- Activate the ribbon navigation mode of your screen reader, if available. This allows you to navigate through the different tabs of the Excel ribbon using the arrow keys.
- Press Alt to activate the ribbon. You should hear the screen reader announce the current tab name.
- Use the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the tabs until you reach the “Formulas” tab. The screen reader should announce the name of the tab as you move.
- Once you’re on the “Formulas” tab, use the down arrow key to navigate through the options within the tab.
- Continue pressing the down arrow key until you reach the “Function Library” group. The screen reader should announce the group name.
- To access the functions within the Function Library group, press the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the available options, such as “Insert Function,” “AutoSum,” “Recently Used,” and more. The screen reader should announce each option as you move.
- Press Enter or Spacebar to activate the selected option. If you choose “Insert Function,” a dialog box will open, allowing you to search for a specific function by typing its name or browsing through the categories. The screen reader should guide you through the available options and assist you in selecting the desired function.
- Once you have selected a function, follow the prompts and dialog boxes provided by Excel to complete the function’s arguments and incorporate it into your formula.
Defined Names
To define names in the Formulas tab of Excel using a screen reader, follow these steps:
- Open Excel and navigate to the worksheet you want to work with.
- Activate the ribbon navigation mode of your screen reader, if available. This allows you to navigate through the different tabs of the Excel ribbon using the arrow keys.
- Press Alt to activate the ribbon. You should hear the screen reader announce the current tab name.
- Use the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the tabs until you reach the “Formulas” tab. The screen reader should announce the name of the tab as you move.
- Once you’re on the “Formulas” tab, use the down arrow key to navigate through the options within the tab.
- Continue pressing the down arrow key until you reach the “Defined Names” group. The screen reader should announce the group name.
- To define a new name for a cell or range, press the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the available options within the “Defined Names” group. Look for an option like “Define Name” or “Create from Selection.” The screen reader should announce each option as you move.
- Press Enter or Spacebar to activate the selected option. This will open a dialog box where you can define a new name.
- In the dialog box, enter the name you want to assign to the cell or range in the “Name” or “Enter Name” field. Tab to move to the other fields and options, such as the “Refers to” field where you can specify the cell or range to which the name refers.
- Use the appropriate keys to enter the desired cell or range reference in the “Refers to” field. You can use the arrow keys to navigate and select cells or ranges in the worksheet.
- Once you have entered the name and reference, press Enter or Spacebar to confirm and save the defined name.
Formula Auditing
To use the Formula Auditing tools in the Formulas tab of Excel using a screen reader, follow these steps:
- Open Excel and navigate to the worksheet you want to work with.
- Activate the ribbon navigation mode of your screen reader, if available. This allows you to navigate through the different tabs of the Excel ribbon using the arrow keys.
- Press Alt to activate the ribbon. You should hear the screen reader announce the current tab name.
- Use the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the tabs until you reach the “Formulas” tab. The screen reader should announce the name of the tab as you move.
- Once you’re on the “Formulas” tab, use the down arrow key to navigate through the options within the tab.
- Continue pressing the down arrow key until you reach the “Formula Auditing” group. The screen reader should announce the group name.
- To access the Formula Auditing tools, press the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the available options, such as “Trace Precedents,” “Trace Dependents,” “Evaluate Formula,” “Error Checking,” and more. The screen reader should announce each option as you move.
- Press Enter or Spacebar to activate the selected option. Depending on the chosen tool, different actions may be performed:
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“Trace Precedents”: This tool allows you to identify and display the cells that are referenced in a selected formula. It helps you understand which cells contribute to the calculation of a specific formula.
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“Trace Dependents”: This tool shows you which cells depend on the value of a selected cell. It helps you identify the cells that are affected by changes in the selected cell.
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“Evaluate Formula”: This tool allows you to step through the evaluation of a formula, showing intermediate results at each step. It helps you understand how a formula is calculated.
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“Error Checking”: This tool helps you identify and resolve errors in formulas. It provides options to check for errors, navigate through error cells, and access error checking options.
- Once you have activated the desired Formula Auditing tool, follow the prompts and instructions provided by Excel to use the tool effectively. The screen reader should provide information about the displayed results or dialogs related to the chosen tool.
Calculation
To access the Calculation options in the Formulas tab of Excel using a screen reader, follow these steps:
- Open Excel and navigate to the worksheet you want to work with.
- Activate the ribbon navigation mode of your screen reader, if available. This allows you to navigate through the different tabs of the Excel ribbon using the arrow keys.
- Press Alt to activate the ribbon. You should hear the screen reader announce the current tab name.
- Use the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the tabs until you reach the “Formulas” tab. The screen reader should announce the name of the tab as you move.
- Once you’re on the “Formulas” tab, use the down arrow key to navigate through the options within the tab.
- Continue pressing the down arrow key until you reach the “Calculation” group. The screen reader should announce the group name.
- To access the Calculation options, press the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the available options, such as “Calculation Options” and “Calculate Now.” The screen reader should announce each option as you move.
- Press Enter or Spacebar to activate the selected option. Depending on the chosen option, different actions may be performed:
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“Calculation Options”: This option allows you to specify the calculation mode and settings for your workbook. It opens a dialog box where you can choose between automatic or manual calculation modes and adjust other calculation-related parameters, such as precision, iteration, and more.
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“Calculate Now”: This option triggers a recalculation of the formulas in the worksheet. It forces Excel to update the results based on any changes in the data.
- Once you have activated the desired Calculation option, follow the prompts and instructions provided by Excel. The screen reader should provide information about the displayed dialog boxes and options.
Error Checking
To access the Error Checking feature in the Formulas tab of Excel using a screen reader, follow these steps:
- Open Excel and navigate to the worksheet you want to work with.
- Activate the ribbon navigation mode of your screen reader, if available. This allows you to navigate through the different tabs of the Excel ribbon using the arrow keys.
- Press Alt to activate the ribbon. You should hear the screen reader announce the current tab name.
- Use the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the tabs until you reach the “Formulas” tab. The screen reader should announce the name of the tab as you move.
- Once you’re on the “Formulas” tab, use the down arrow key to navigate through the options within the tab.
- Continue pressing the down arrow key until you reach the “Formula Auditing” group. The screen reader should announce the group name.
- To access the Error Checking feature, press the right or left arrow keys to navigate through the available options, such as “Error Checking.” The screen reader should announce the option.
- Press Enter or Spacebar to activate the “Error Checking” option. This will trigger the error checking process.
- Excel will analyze the formulas in the worksheet and identify any potential errors or inconsistencies. If it finds any errors, it will display a dialog box or provide a list of options to resolve them.
- Use the arrow keys to navigate through the error checking dialog box or options. The screen reader should provide information about the identified errors and possible solutions.
- Follow the prompts and instructions provided by Excel to address the errors. This may involve editing the formulas, fixing cell references, or updating values as necessary.
- Once you have resolved the errors, you can proceed with recalculating the worksheet or making any other necessary adjustments.
Calculation Options
When using a screen reader, accessing the Calculation Options in the Formulas tab of a spreadsheet program may vary depending on the specific screen reader and spreadsheet software you are using.
- Open Excel and navigate to the Formulas tab using the arrow keys.
- Once you are on the Formulas tab, use the right arrow key to navigate through the options until you reach “Calculation Options.”
- Press Enter to open the Calculation Options submenu.
- To change the calculation mode, navigate through the available options (such as Automatic, Manual, etc.) using the arrow keys.
- Press Enter on the desired calculation mode to select it.
Shortcut Key Commands:
In Microsoft Excel, the “Formulas” tab contains various functions and tools for working with formulas and functions in your worksheets. Here are some commonly used shortcut key commands:
Formula Auditing:
- Trace Precedents: To trace cell precedents, select the cell with the formula and press Alt, M, P.
- Trace Dependents: To trace cell dependents, select the cell with the formula and press Alt, M, D.
- Evaluate Formula: To evaluate a formula step by step, select the cell with the formula and press Alt, M, V.
- Error Checking: To check for errors in formulas, press Alt, M, C, and then select the desired error-checking option.
Defined Names:
- Define Name: To define a new name for a cell or range, press Alt, M, N, D.
- Apply Names: To apply a defined name to a cell or range, press Alt, M, N, A.
- Create from Selection: To create names from existing row or column labels, press Alt, M, N, C.
Formula Auditing Options:
- Error Checking Options: To access error-checking options, press Alt, M, C, O.
- Show Formulas: To toggle between displaying cell values and formulas, press Ctrl + ` (grave accent key).
Calculation Options:
- Calculate Now: To recalculate all formulas in the workbook, press Shift + F9.
- Calculate Sheet: To recalculate the active worksheet, press F9.
- Calculate Workbook: To recalculate the entire workbook, press Shift + F9.
Function Library:
- Insert Function Dialog: To open the Insert Function dialog, press Shift + F3.