If formulas in Excel 2013 stop updating when you change numbers, and totals only change after you press F9 or save, the workbook is set to Manual calculation. Switching back to Automatic takes two clicks. This guide shows how, explains why Excel sometimes switches to Manual on its own, and covers other reasons formulas might not update. The steps are the same in Excel 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Microsoft 365.
Quick Answer
Click the Formulas tab, click Calculation Options in the Calculation group, and choose Automatic. Or go to File > Options > Formulas and select Automatic under Workbook Calculation.
Method 1: Formulas Tab
- Open the workbook.
- Click the Formulas tab.
- In the Calculation group, click Calculation Options.
- Choose Automatic.
Method 2: Excel Options
- Click File > Options.
- Select Formulas.
- Under Calculation options > Workbook Calculation, choose Automatic.
- Click OK.
The Three Calculation Modes
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Automatic | Recalculates every dependent formula whenever a value changes (the default) |
| Automatic Except for Data Tables | Same, but skips What-If data tables until you press F9; useful for large data tables |
| Manual | Recalculates only when you press F9 (and, by default, before saving) |
Why Excel Switches to Manual
Calculation mode is an application-wide setting taken from the first workbook you open in a session. If you open a file that was saved in Manual mode, every workbook you open afterward also runs in Manual until you change it. Some large workbooks or macros set Manual on purpose to improve speed. Switch back to Automatic and save the file so it opens in Automatic next time.
Recalculate Manually
- F9: recalculate all open workbooks.
- Shift + F9: recalculate the active worksheet only.
- Ctrl + Alt + F9: force a full recalculation of all formulas.
- Ctrl + Shift + Alt + F9: rebuild dependencies and recalculate everything (for stubborn cases).
Formulas Still Not Updating?
- Formula shows as text: the cell is formatted as Text. Change it to General (Home > Number format), then click in the cell and press Enter.
- Formulas are displayed instead of results: turn off Formulas > Show Formulas (or press Ctrl + `).
- Numbers stored as text: a green triangle appears; click the warning icon and choose Convert to Number.
- Circular reference warning: fix the formula that refers to its own cell (Formulas > Error Checking > Circular References).
- Linked workbooks: open the source workbook, or use Data > Edit Links > Update Values.
Related: How to Use Solver in Excel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would anyone use Manual calculation?
In very large or complex workbooks, recalculating after every change can be slow. Manual lets you make many changes, then calculate once with F9.
Is the setting saved with the workbook?
Yes, the mode at save time is stored in the file, which is why it can carry over to other workbooks you open later.
Does Excel for the web have this setting?
Excel for the web calculates automatically by default; current versions also offer Calculation Options on the Formulas tab.
Summary
- Go to Formulas > Calculation Options > Automatic.
- Or File > Options > Formulas > Automatic.
- Save the workbook so it opens in Automatic mode.
- Press F9 to recalculate on demand.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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