Work safely with spreadsheet formulas
Calculate values, check references and export an editable workbook.
VertexFiles editorial · Updated 6 September 2026
Start with a small, understandable sheet
Enter labels and values before adding formulas. A formula begins with an equals sign, such as =B2*C2. A range expression like =SUM(B2:B10) combines values from several cells. Use the formula bar to see the original expression rather than judging it only by the displayed result.
Check references and errors
This release uses a spreadsheet formula parser rather than running cell content as JavaScript. It supports common arithmetic and many standard functions, but not complete Excel compatibility. Unsupported functions or circular references produce errors. Test representative formulas, especially cross-sheet references, before relying on a workbook.
Sorting changes formulas into values
The sort and duplicate-removal commands in this release rebuild the current sheet from calculated values. This avoids silently moving formulas without rewriting their references, but it removes those formulas and basic styling from the rebuilt data. Download an XLSX copy first if you need the original formula model.
Use each format for its intended purpose
XLSX retains supported sheets, formulas and basic formatting. CSV represents only one table and loses styles and formulas. Macros, pivot tables, charts, external connections and advanced validation are not imported or executed. Keep an untouched copy of any business-critical workbook.