For many Excel users, it is common to have formulas in cells that dynamically calculate values based on other cells. However, there are times when you may want to convert these formulas into static values. This can be useful when you want to preserve the calculated values but eliminate the dependence on the original formulas. In this article, we will explore how to change formula to value in Excel.
How to Change Formula to Value in Excel
To change a formula to a value in Excel:
1. Select the cell or range of cells that contain the formulas you want to convert.
2. Right-click on the selected cells and choose “Copy” from the context menu.
3. Right-click on the same range of cells, select “Paste Special,” and then choose “Values” from the options.
4. Click “OK” to convert the formulas to static values.
Once you have followed these steps, the formulas in the selected cells will be replaced with the resulting values, effectively changing the formulas to values.
Now, let’s address some common questions related to changing formula to value in Excel.
Can I change formulas to values for specific cells only?
Yes, you can select specific cells or ranges of cells that contain formulas and convert only those selected cells to values while leaving other cells untouched.
Will changing formulas to values affect other calculations in my Excel sheet?
Converting formulas to values will remove the dynamic calculations, and any formulas referencing the converted cells will no longer update based on changes in those cells. It is recommended to save a backup of your Excel sheet before making widespread changes.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to quickly change formulas to values?
Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C to copy the selected cells, then press Alt + E + S + V + Enter to paste special and convert the formulas to values.
Can I undo the conversion of formulas to values in Excel?
Unfortunately, there is no built-in undo feature specifically for converting formulas to values in Excel. It is advisable to save a backup of your Excel sheet before making any irreversible changes.
Can I change multiple formulas to values at once in Excel?
Yes, you can select multiple ranges of cells that contain formulas and convert them all to values simultaneously by following the steps mentioned earlier.
Will changing formulas to values reduce the file size of my Excel sheet?
Converting formulas to values can reduce the file size of your Excel sheet, especially if you have a large number of complex calculations. However, the reduction in file size may vary depending on the complexity of the formulas.
Can I change formulas to values in Excel Online or Excel for Mac?
Yes, the process of changing formulas to values in Excel is similar in Excel Online and Excel for Mac. You can follow the same steps mentioned earlier to convert formulas to values in these versions.
Can I still edit the values after converting formulas to values?
Once you have changed formulas to values in Excel, the values become static and cannot be edited directly as formulas. You can edit the values like any other static content in Excel.
Can I change formulas to values in a protected Excel sheet?
If the cells containing the formulas you want to convert are protected in an Excel sheet, you will need to unprotect those cells before you can change the formulas to values.
Can I change formulas to values in a specific format, such as currency or percentage?
Yes, you can apply formatting options to the converted values in Excel to display them in the desired format, such as currency, percentage, date, etc.
Will changing formulas to values affect conditional formatting in my Excel sheet?
Converting formulas to values will remove the dynamic calculations that conditional formatting rules rely on. You may need to adjust the conditional formatting rules after converting formulas to values to ensure their continued functionality.
By following the steps outlined in this article and addressing these common questions, you can effectively change formulas to values in Excel and optimize your spreadsheet for various scenarios. Remember to exercise caution when converting formulas to values and always keep backups of your Excel sheets.