Guides to auditing Excel models.
Honest, step-by-step guides. Native Excel first, then the faster way with Formula Audit XL.
How to Audit a Financial Model in Excel
A practical, step-by-step guide to auditing a financial model in Excel: circular references, formula errors, precedent tracing, external links, consistency checks, and version comparison, with a printable checklist.
Read the pillar guideHow to Find Circular References in Excel
Step-by-step guide to finding and resolving circular references in Excel using built-in tools and the status bar, plus how to catch all of them at once.
How to Trace Dependents in Excel
Learn to trace dependents in Excel using the Formulas ribbon, the Alt+M,D shortcut, and the dotted-arrow trick for cross-sheet dependents. Covers native limits and faster alternatives.
How to Trace Precedents in Excel
How to use Trace Precedents in Excel to follow formula inputs cell by cell, across sheets, and through multiple levels, with the Alt+M,P shortcut and cross-sheet method explained.
How to Break External Links in Excel
Find and break external links in Excel using Data → Edit Links. Covers hidden links in named ranges, charts, and data validation that Edit Links misses, plus how to break links safely.
Excel Formula Auditing: Complete Guide
Complete guide to Excel formula auditing: the Formula Auditing toolbar, Trace Precedents/Dependents, Show Formulas, Evaluate Formula, Error Checking, and a practical workflow for large financial models.
How to Show All Formulas in Excel
How to show all formulas in Excel using Ctrl+` or the Formulas ribbon. Covers printing formulas, spotting hardcodes, and the limits of raw formula view on large models.
How to Find Errors in Excel Spreadsheets
How to find errors in Excel using Error Checking, Show Formulas, and Evaluate Formula. Covers all error codes (#REF!, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, etc.), visible vs logical errors, and financial model-specific pitfalls.
Find Inconsistent Formulas in Excel
What Excel's green triangle inconsistent formula warning means, how to review and fix inconsistent formulas, and how to check an entire model for inconsistencies at once.
Trace Precedents & Dependents Shortcuts
Quick reference for Excel Trace Precedents and Dependents keyboard shortcuts: Alt+M,P for precedents, Alt+M,D for dependents, removing arrows, and adding custom shortcuts via the Quick Access Toolbar.
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For Microsoft Excel on Windows: 2016, 2019, 2021 & 365 · No data leaves your machine