Use of Trace Precedents and Trace Dependents

Trace Precedents and Trace Dependents

In MS Excel, based on our need we apply formulas to different cells. While applying formula many a times we fetch value from different cells in the same worksheet. For ex: If I want to sum two values available in the existing worksheet then I will click equals to (=) and then write A1+B1=C1(selected cell where you want the sum of these two). In this the value of C1 is precedent of A1 and B1.

 

The example given above is very simple. Either I can select cell C1 to see the cells/values used for getting the sum in the formula bar. Or else I can select and click F2 to see which cells are used to fetch this data.

 

Now imagine you have a big worksheet. In which you have numerous different formulas included in it. Some of the values are taken from Cell B1 and some from Z100 etc. By using the above two options it is sometime very difficult to know that from where you have taken the value for a specific formula. It is often very difficult to scroll and check. So unless you know from where your specific formula/cell has taken values, you may accidentally delete some value which will lead to errors like #N/A, #Value, and #DIV/0.

 

Here comes the use of Trace Precedents in Formula Ribbon's Formula Auditing tools.
 

Step 1: Select the cell in which you want to check the Precedents and then click "Trace Precedents". Clicking this tool will provide you all the cells from where the data is fetched and used in a formula.



Step 2: Similarly click "Trace Dependents" in the same cell, this will help you know other values in the sheet which are dependent on this value.

For more details on Trace Precedents and Dependents you can write me at Samrat.biswaas@gmail.com