How To Show Formula In Google Sheets?
Show formula in Google sheets is a feature in Google sheets that enables us to display the formulas or hide them according to the users’ preferences. It is useful for other users to view the formulas when the sheet is shared across to different people. For example, consider the below table showing the total of various values in column A. The result is shown in cell A5 as shown in the below image.

Now, as soon as we click on the cell A5, we can see the formula used to find the total. Alternatively, we can use the following steps to use Google sheets show formula. To begin with, select the cell showing the result. In this example, it is cell A5. Next, click on View > Show > Formulas in Google sheets. We can see the result replaced with the formula used to calculate the total in cell A5 as shown in the below image.

Thus, we can use show formulas. In this article, let us learn how to show formulas with apt examples.
Table of Contents
- How To Show Formula In Google Sheets?
- How To Show Google Sheets Formulas Using Shortcut?
- How To Show Formulas In Google Sheets Using The View Menu?
- How To Show Formulas For Individual Cells In Google Sheets?
- Hide Formulas In Google Sheets
- Why Is It Important To Show Formulas In Google Sheets?
- Important Things To Note
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recommended Articles
Key Takeaways
- Show Formula in Google sheets is a method used to show the formula used in the spreadsheet in place of the result.
- This is useful when the spreadsheet is shared among different users who want to view the formula used.
- There are many ways to show formula. They are:
- Show Google Sheets Formulas Using ShortcutShow Formulas In Google Sheets Using The View Menu
- Show Formulas For Individual Cells In Google Sheets
- Similarly, we can use the same three method to hide the formulas in Google sheets.
How To Show Google Sheets Formulas Using Shortcut?
We can show formulas using different methods. One of the method is using the shortcut keys – Ctrl + ~.
For example, consider the below image having various values in column A. Cell A6 shows the total of the given values in the cell range A1:A5 as shown in the below image.

Let us learn how to show formulas with the following steps.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, select the cell showing the result. In this example, it is cell A6.
Step 2: Next, press the shortcut keys Ctrl + ~.
Step 3: We can see the result is replaced with the formula used to calculate the total in cell A6 as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can show formulas using the shortcut keys.
How To Show Formulas In Google Sheets Using The View Menu?
Similar to the shortcut method, we can use another quick and simple method to show formulas using the View Menu method.
For example, consider the below table showing the total of various values in column A. The result is shown in cell A5 as shown in the below image.

Now, as soon as we click on the cell A5, we can see the formula used to find the total.
Alternatively, we can use the following steps to show formula in Google sheets.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, select the cell showing the result. In this example, it is cell A5.
Step 2: Next, click on View tab and click on Show option.

We will be able to see a list of options. Click on Formulas in Google sheets.

Step 3: We can see the result replaced with the formula used to calculate the total in cell A5 as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can show formulas using the View Menu option.
How To Show Formulas For Individual Cells In Google Sheets?
Excluding both the discussed methods, we can use the 3rd method which is show formulas in individual cells.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, select the cell showing the result.
Step 2: Next, select the formula text in the formula bar and press the short cut keys Ctrl + C to copy the text or the formula.
Step 3: Now, select an empty cell and click the Formula bar or double click on the cell directly to enter the apostrophe symbol (‘).
Step 4: Finally, press Ctrl + V to paste the formula.
Likewise, we can show formulas in individual cells.
Hide Formulas In Google Sheets
Till now, we saw three methods to show formulas. Similarly, we can hide formulas in Google sheets using all the three methods.
In this example, let us use the View menu option to hide formulas in Google sheets.
For example, consider the below table showing SUM formula in Google sheets in place of the total result.

The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, select the cell showing the result. In this example, it is cell A5.
Step 2: Next, click on View tab and click on Show option.

Now, we will be able to see a list of options. Click on Formulas to deselect in Google sheets.

Step 3: We can see the formula replaced with the result showing the total in cell A5 as shown in the below image.

Likewise, we can hide formulas in Google sheets using the View Menu option.
Why Is It Important To Show Formulas In Google Sheets?
- There are many ways and formulas to use in Google sheets to find our results.
- So, in such cases, we need to make sure the formulas are available by default to avoid misunderstandings or confusions.
- Especially, when users are required to share the work files across multiple users in a team or organization, it is essential to show the formulas used to find the results.
Important Things To Note
- Formulas in Google sheets helps users find and perform mathematical procedures with ease.
- While sharing the files we use with the calculated data, we need to make sure the formulas are visible to multiple users.
- The show or hide feature helps users see or hide formulas in Google sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
For example, consider the below table showing the total of various values in column A. The result is shown in cell A5 as shown in the below image.
Now, as soon as we click on the cell A5, we can see the formula used to find the total.
Alternatively, we can use the following steps to show formula in Google sheets.
The steps are:
Step 1: To begin with, select the cell showing the result. In this example, it is cell A5.
Step 2: Next, click on View > Show > Formulas in Google sheets.
Step 3: We can see the result replaced with the formula used to calculate the total in cell A5 as shown in the below image.
Likewise, we can show formulas in Google sheets.
In an organization, we may come across situations where we need to share the work files. In such cases, for better understanding of the functions and formulas used in the sheet, it is better to show the formulas to avoid hassles. This is why, it is important to show formulas.
Hiding formulas is as simple as showing formulas in Google sheets. We can use the same methods to hide formulas in Google sheets.
Therefore,
o Show Google Sheets Formulas Using Shortcut
o Show Formulas In Google Sheets Using The View Menu
o Show Formulas For Individual Cells In Google Sheets
Methods can be used to hide the formulas in Google sheets.
Recommended Articles
Guide to How To Show Formula In Google Sheets. We explain how to show it with the View Menu and shortcut method and how to hide them with examples. You can learn more from the following articles. –
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