Introduction to the Excel Auditing Toolbar

The Excel Auditing Toolbar contains useful functions to help with error checking, tracing formulas to cells, and to trace errors. As such understanding when and how to use the Excel auditing functions will help to reduce spreadsheet errors.

To display the Excel Auditing Toolbar go to Tools on the Menu Bar and Select Formula Checking (2003). As an alternative select View Toolbars and have it displayed while working in the spreadsheet.

Some of the functions that you will come across are described below.

Error Check

It is used to check the active spreadsheets for any errors. Once errors are found the Error Check dialog box will be displayed.

Trace Error

Use this function to find cells that contain a value error. It will trace the cells with that value through an arrow.

Trace Precedents

It is the function that will draw arrows from the cells that contain values that are directly related to the formula of the active cell.

Trace Dependents

It does the same as the Trace Precedents, but instead will draw arrows to the active cell from formulas which are dependent on the value present in the active cell.

Removing functions

You also have the option to remove trace arrows from one level of dependents or all tracer arrows through the Remove Precedent, Remove Dependent, and Remove All Arrows functions.

There are more functions such as the Circle Invalid Data, Evaluate Formula, and Show Watch Window functions. Visit our training section for a video tutorial and guidance on using the functions discussed and listed here. You will find the Excel Auditing Toolbar a valuable tool once you have learned how to use each of the functions.