The formula bar is the long box above the column letters in Excel. It shows the real contents of the selected cell: the formula behind a result, or long text that’s cut off in the cell. If it has disappeared, you can bring it back in two clicks. This guide shows where the formula bar is, how to show or hide it in Excel for Windows, Mac, and the web, how to expand it for long formulas, and related tricks like showing all formulas at once.
Quick Answer
Go to the View tab and check Formula Bar in the Show group. The formula bar reappears just above the column headings. To make it taller for long formulas, press Ctrl + Shift + U, or click the down arrow at its right end.
Where the Formula Bar Is
It sits between the ribbon and the worksheet grid, in three parts:
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Name Box (left) | Shows the selected cell’s address, such as D5. Type a cell or range name here to jump to it. |
| Buttons (X, check mark, fx) | Cancel an edit, confirm an edit, or open the Insert Function dialog |
| Contents box | Shows and edits the cell’s formula or value |
Show or Hide the Formula Bar
Excel for Windows (Excel 2013 through Microsoft 365)
- Click the View tab.
- In the Show group, check Formula Bar. Uncheck it to hide the bar.
Alternative: File > Options > Advanced, then under Display, check Show formula bar.
Excel for Mac
Choose View > Formula Bar from the menu bar, or check Formula Bar on the ribbon’s View tab.
Excel for the web
Click View and turn on Formula Bar (under Show).
Expand the Formula Bar for Long Formulas
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U to expand or collapse it.
- Click the small down arrow at the right end of the formula bar.
- Drag the bottom edge of the formula bar down to any height.
- Inside a formula, press Alt + Enter to add a line break and make long formulas easier to read.
Edit Without the Formula Bar
Press F2 or double-click a cell to edit its contents directly in the cell. If double-clicking doesn’t work, turn on File > Options > Advanced > Allow editing directly in cells.
Show Formulas in Every Cell
Press Ctrl + ` (the grave accent key, usually left of 1), or go to Formulas > Show Formulas. Every cell now displays its formula instead of the result. Press the shortcut again to switch back.
Need more room for your data? Learn how to insert a new worksheet in Excel.
Working in a slow workbook? Learn how to disable automatic formula updates.
The formula bar also links text boxes to cells; read how to display a formula result in a text box.
Troubleshooting
The formula bar is checked but still missing
The ribbon or screen may be in a collapsed mode. Press Ctrl + F1 to show the ribbon, or exit full-screen view. Also try maximizing the Excel window.
The formula bar is empty for a cell with a value
The sheet may be protected with hidden formulas. Go to Review > Unprotect Sheet if you have the password. The formulas were hidden under Format Cells > Protection > Hidden.
The formula bar is huge
Press Ctrl + Shift + U or drag its bottom edge back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the formula bar in the same place in Excel 2013?
Yes. In Excel 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365, it’s in the same place and controlled from the View tab.
Can I hide the formula bar for just one workbook?
The setting applies to the Excel window, not individual workbooks. A VBA macro can toggle it when a specific workbook opens.
Summary
- Check View > Formula Bar to show it.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U to expand it for long formulas.
- Use F2 to edit in the cell and Ctrl + ` to show all formulas.
- Check sheet protection if formulas are hidden.
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.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.