Excel formula: Leave a comment in a formula

Generic formula

=formula+N("comment")

Explanation

To leave a comment in a formula that returns a numeric result, you can use the N function. In the example shown, the formula in F9 is:

=SUM(F5:F8)+N("Q4 numbers are estimates")

How this formula works

This is a tricky use of N() that allows you to use it as a way to leave in-cell comments. It only works for formulas that return numeric results.

The N function takes a value and returns a number. When given a text value, the N function returns zero.

In this case, the primary formula the SUM function, and the N function simply evaluates the comment text and returns zero:

=SUM(F5:F8)+N("Q4 numbers are estimates")
=SUM(F5:F8) + 0
=410,750

The comment is visible in the formula bar when the cell is selected.

Author

Dave Bruns

Related functions

Excel N Function

The Excel N function returns a number when given a value. The N function can be used to convert TRUE and FALSE to 1 and 0 respectively. When given a text value, the N function returns zero.

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