Excel FORMULATEXT Function

Using the Excel FORMULATEXT Function

Excel FORMULATEXT Function

Summary

The Excel FORMULATEXT function is used to return a formula as a text string. The function is useful if you need to return a formula as text from a specific cell.

Syntax

=FORMULATEXT (reference)

Syntax Breakdown

Reference
Required. A cell or range of cells. The argument can reference another workbook or worksheet. If the reference is to another workbook that isn't open, the function returns the #N/A! error.

If reference is to a row, column, or range of cells, the function will return the value in the upper leftmost cell of the defined row, column, or range.

Excel FORMULATEXT Range

Usage Notes

FORMULATEXT returns a formula as a text string.

FORMULATEXT Errors
The function will return the #N/A! error if any of the following are true:

  • The reference cell doesn't contain a formula;
  • The reference cell contains a formula that is longer than 8192 characters;
  • The reference is to another workbook that isn't open;
  • The reference is to a worksheet that is protected

Using invalid date types for reference will result in the #VALUE! error being returned.