Microsoft KB Archive/124492

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

XL5: Troubleshooting Formulas Using Function Wizard
Last reviewed: September 12, 1996

Article ID: Q124492

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
 * Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 5.0
 * Microsoft Excel for Windows NT, version 5.0

SUMMARY
The Function Wizard steps you through each function in your formula, showing you the required arguments for each function, the arguments you have put in, and how they are evaluated by Microsoft Excel. Also, you can see the function evaluation in the formula bar as it relates to what is shown in the formula bar.

You can use the Function Wizard to evaluate complex formulas when you need to detect incorrect functions or expressions. This technique can be particularly useful if the formula you are evaluating is very long, contains references to other cells, or contains error messages such as #REF!, #NAME!, or #VALUE!.

To evaluate a complex formula with the Function Wizard

 * 1) Select the cell containing the formula. (Do not click the formula bar.)
 * 2) From the Insert menu, choose Function.

The Editing Function 1 Of n dialog box will appear, where n is the number of functions in that particular formula. Each subsequent dialog box will show how the individual functions in the formula are evaluated according to the arguments they contain. The Value box in the top-right corner will display the number to which that function evaluates.