Formulas · original practice scenario
Evaluate a selected formula fragment
A1 contains 12, A2 contains 8 and B1 contains =SUM(A1:A2)*2.
Start here: Windows formula edit mode; a complete expression selected in the formula bar
Enter commits the replacement and removes that part of the formula. Use Esc when you only want to inspect it.
Follow these instructions in your own desktop Excel workbook. This page explains the operation; it does not send commands to Excel.
Mac keys and context
F9 evaluates the selected fragment here. Outside edit mode, F9 has a different calculation scope.
This catalog has no verified Mac binding for this operation. The steps below describe Windows. Choose Windows to use the walkthrough and recall controls.
Walk through the operation
- Edit B1 in the formula bar and select only SUM(A1:A2).
- Press F9 to inspect that fragment.
- Press Esc to leave the original formula intact.
Expected result: The selected fragment temporarily displays 20; after Esc the original formula remains.
Related walkthroughs
- Accept the highlighted formula autocomplete item
- Inspect names in Name Manager
- Focus the Name Box without changing the selection
Catalog updated 2026-10-18. US keyboard notation: + joins held keys; commas separate successive presses. Function keys may require Fn. Desktop instructions are separate from this browser's own keyboard shortcuts.