Let’s use the Evaluate feature to see how these formulas work.
you could find Evaluate Formula on the Formulas tab of the ribbon, in the Formula Auditing group.
To use Evaluate Formula, select a formula, and tap the button in the ribbon.
One part of the formula will be underlined – this is the part currently “under evaluation”.
In this case, solving theTODAY functionis the first step in solving this formula.
On the next click, the YEARFRAC function is evaluated, and theINT functionis underlined.
One last click and the formula is solved with a result of 12.
Notice that the Evaluate button changes to Restart at the end of the evaluation process.
Click Restart to evaluate the formula again.
Now let’s Evaluate the Status formula.
12 is less than 20, so FALSE is the result of the logical test.
The process is the same as a normal evaluation.
When done, click “step out” to continue evaluating the original formula.
The ability to step into other formulas is an optional feature.
It’s available when a formula refers to other formulas or to cell references.
So there you have it.
Evaluate Formula is a handy compliment to using the F9 key.
And it’s a great way to understand how Excel solves formulas.
