Show processing sequence of formulas in Excel

Question

Is it possible to show the sequence in which formulas are processed in a Excel-sheet with many complex formulas? In my case this is important because the formulas have dependencies to each other and I need to find out the sequence in which the formulas could be processed one after another.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Excel dynamically adjusts the calculation sequence in such a way as to resolve the dependencies, and normally only recalculates the subset of formulas that are dependent on volatile or changed cells. In Excel 2007 and later this sequence is calculated in a multi-threaded way.

So in practical terms trying to determine the calculation sequence in a large complex workbook is not a good idea.

For more information see http://www.decisionmodels.com/calcsecretsc.htm and associated pages

Answer 2

Excel calculation order within formula

Excel calculates in a specific way within each formula. From the Microsoft documentation it will process from left to right but will process brackets (Aka parentheses) first. Excel evaluates in order of BODMAS

Excel calculation order between formula

Excel will determine which formula are independent of others and calculate those first. This includes formulae referring to cells that only contain values or forumulae that reference constants or volatile functions.

Finding the processing sequence

For starters, this is also known as tracing dependencies (and precedents). In Excel, in the formula tab on the ribbon you can access the audit functions that allow you to trace dependents or precedents. These will point you at the formulae that will be calculated before or after a given cell. This gives you the ability to step through the order so that you can ensure it's correct. For more detail on this I recommend this Microsoft article