Excel formula finder
Find every cell formula in an XLSX workbook, including hidden sheets, and export sheet names, cell addresses and likely external workbook references to CSV.
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Excel formula finder
Need to understand an inherited workbook or find a formula linked to an old spreadsheet? Upload the XLSX and list cell formulas across visible and hidden worksheets. The CSV records each sheet and cell address, the stored formula text, whether its saved result exists, and flags for hidden rows and columns. A filter shows formulas matching common external-workbook reference patterns. Unknown shared-formula text stays visible for review instead of being silently classified as safe. This does not recalculate formulas or inspect defined names, charts, queries and connections, so an empty report does not prove that every external link is gone.
How to use this tool
- Upload or drag in a standard XLSX workbook, or import a direct public file URL. Try the example workbook to see a formula in a hidden row.
- Choose all formulas or focus on likely external workbook references. Hidden worksheets are included automatically; unreadable shared formulas remain marked unknown.
- Review the sheet, cell and formula preview. Download the CSV to search or audit the workbook without changing any cells.
Supported input formats
XLSX
Available settings
- Formulas to report
Output and limitations
Find every cell formula in an XLSX workbook, including hidden sheets, and export sheet names, cell addresses and likely external workbook references to CSV.
Upload or drag in one standard XLSX file up to 5 MB, or import a direct public XLSX URL. The read-only scan lists formula text, sheet and cell address, whether the worksheet or row or column is hidden, and whether a saved formula result exists. Choose all formulas or likely external workbook references. A bracketed workbook filename or link index is marked as an external reference pattern; formulas whose shared text cannot be read stay marked unknown and remain in the external-only review. The tool does not calculate formulas, open links, change the workbook or promise to locate external links stored in defined names, charts, queries, formatting or connections. Limits: 20 sheets, 200,000 stored cells, 50,000 formulas and a 20 MB CSV. Encrypted, macro-enabled, damaged and oversized workbooks are rejected. Review flagged references in Excel before editing them.
Will the tool calculate or repair any formula?
No. It only reads formula text and a flag showing whether the file contains a saved result. A missing saved result is not calculated or treated as zero. The original workbook is not changed; review any edits in Excel or another spreadsheet app.
Does an empty external formula report prove that my workbook has no external links?
No. This report searches cell formula text for common external workbook patterns. Links may also live in defined names, charts, formatting, queries and data connections. An unknown shared formula remains in the external-only review rather than being classified as local.
What if processing fails?
Check the supported formats and file limits, then try a smaller file. Keep an original copy. A clear error message will explain an unsupported input or an unavailable processing service.