Copying formulas in Excel is a common task that many users have to deal with. However, sometimes you may want to copy the formula itself, rather than the resulting value. This can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, it can be done easily.
One of the most common methods used to copy formulas rather than values in Excel is by using the Copy and Paste Special function. This function allows you to paste the formula only, without pasting the result.
How to copy formula not value in Excel?
**To copy formula not value in Excel, follow these steps:**
1. Select the cell with the formula you want to copy.
2. Right-click on the cell and select “Copy” from the drop-down menu.
3. Right-click on the destination cell where you want to paste the formula.
4. Click on “Paste Special” from the drop-down menu.
5. In the Paste Special dialog box, select “Formulas” under the “Paste” section.
6. Click “OK” to paste the formula.
By following these steps, you can easily copy the formula without pasting the value in Excel.
FAQs
1. Can I copy formulas across multiple cells?
Yes, you can copy formulas across multiple cells by selecting the range of cells you want to paste the formula into and following the same steps mentioned above.
2. Can I use keyboard shortcuts to copy formulas in Excel?
Yes, you can use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process. To copy a formula, press “Ctrl + C” to copy and then “Ctrl + Alt + V” to bring up the Paste Special dialog box.
3. Is there an alternative method to copy formulas in Excel?
Another way to copy formulas in Excel is to drag the fill handle (the small square at the bottom-right corner of the cell) across the range where you want to copy the formula.
4. How do I copy formulas between different workbooks?
To copy formulas between different workbooks, simply open both workbooks, select the formula you want to copy, and then paste it into the destination workbook using the Paste Special function.
5. Can I copy formulas without any references changing?
Yes, when you copy a formula without changing the references, you can use the Paste Special function and select “Formulas” to keep all cell references intact.
6. What if I want to copy a formula and keep the references relative?
If you want to copy a formula and keep the references relative, use the Fill Handle method to drag the formula across the cells where you want to paste it.
7. Can I copy entire rows or columns of formulas in Excel?
Yes, you can copy entire rows or columns of formulas by selecting the row or column, copying it, and then pasting it to the desired location using the Paste Special function.
8. How can I copy formulas with formatting intact?
To copy formulas with formatting intact, use the “Format Painter” tool to copy the formatting from one cell to another after pasting the formula using the Paste Special function.
9. What happens if I copy a formula without using Paste Special?
If you copy a formula without using the Paste Special function, Excel will paste the value instead of the formula, which may not be what you intended.
10. Can I copy formulas with conditional formatting?
Yes, you can copy formulas with conditional formatting by using the Paste Special function and selecting “Formats” along with “Formulas” to copy both the formula and conditional formatting.
11. Is there a way to copy formulas without copying hardcoded values?
To copy formulas without copying hardcoded values, use the Paste Special function and select “Formulas” to exclude any hardcoded values from being pasted.
12. How can I verify that the formula was copied correctly?
To verify that the formula was copied correctly, check the formula bar in the destination cell to ensure that the correct formula has been pasted using the Paste Special function.