How to Remove All Formula References in Excel and Keep Values

Forget the complexities of dealing with formulas in Excel and learn how to remove all formula references while retaining the cell values. This comprehensive guide covers multiple methods and a VBA solution to ensure you have the flexibility and control you need for your spreadsheets.

Methods to Remove Formula References in Excel

Whether you prefer using the mouse, keyboard shortcuts, or the ribbon, this section will provide you with the tools to convert formulas into static values efficiently.

Method 1: Copy and Paste Values

This straightforward method involves copying the cells, selecting the paste special option, and choosing values to keep the data intact without the formula references.

Select the Cells: Highlight the range of cells that contain the formulas you want to convert to values. Copy the Cells: Right-click the selected cells and choose Copy or press Ctrl C. Paste Values: Right-click on the same selection or where you want to paste the values. Choose Paste Special. In the dialog box, select Values. Click OK.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

A quick way to remove formula references by utilizing keyboard shortcuts.

Select the Cells: Highlight the cells with formulas. Copy the Cells: Press Ctrl C. Paste Values: Press Ctrl Alt V to open the Paste Special dialog. Press V to select Values. Press Enter.

Method 3: Using the Ribbon

A step-by-step approach using Excel's ribbon for the removal of formula references.

Select the Cells: Highlight the range of cells with formulas. Go to the Home Tab: Click on the Home tab on the ribbon. Click on the Paste Dropdown: Click the arrow under the Paste button. Select Paste Values: Choose Paste Values from the options.

After following any of these methods, your cells will no longer contain formulas; instead, they will show the static values that were previously calculated by those formulas. This makes it easier to manage and review your spreadsheets without being distracted by formulas.

Removing Formulas from an Entire Workbook

For a more extensive operation, you can remove formulas from an entire workbook in a single go by using VBA code.

VBA Code Example

Here's a VBA script to remove all formulas from every worksheet in a workbook.

Sub PasteAsValuesEveryWorksheet()
    Dim X As Worksheet
    Dim Y As String
    For Each X In 
        Y  
        
        X.Range(Y).PasteSpecial Paste:xlPasteValues
    Next X
      False
End Sub

To use this VBA script, press Alt F11 to open the VBA editor, then insert a new module and paste the code. Run the macro to apply the changes.

Additional Tips

You can also select the cells with results of formulas, click Copy, and click on the small black arrow beside the Paste button, then select Values or Values Only.

For a more detailed explanation and additional tips, refer to Microsoft's official document on the topic: Convert formulas into values in Excel.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on managing Excel formulas, ensuring you have the knowledge to efficiently handle your data and calculations.