How to copy cells that contain formulas (Excel)

Below are concise options depending on whether you want to copy formulas as formulas, copy the literal formula text, or paste only the resulting values.

1. Copy formulas and keep them as formulas

  1. Select the cells that contain the formulas.
  2. Press Ctrl+C to copy.
  3. Go to the destination and press Ctrl+V to paste.

Excel will adjust relative references automatically (e.g., =A1+B1 becomes relative to the new location).

2. Copy formulas exactly (don’t let Excel adjust references)

Use one of these methods depending on your needs:

  • Make references absolute: change references like A1 → $A$1 before copying so they don’t shift.
  • Copy from the Formula Bar:
    1. Select the cell.
    2. Click the formula bar, select the full formula text, then Ctrl+C.
    3. Paste the formula text where you want it (for example into another cell’s formula bar or a text editor).
  • Show formulas and copy:
    1. Press Ctrl+` (backtick) to toggle “Show Formulas” mode.
    2. Copy the displayed cells and paste them where needed.
    3. Press Ctrl+` again to return to normal view.

3. Copy formulas but paste only the resulting values

  1. Select and copy the cells (Ctrl+C).
  2. Right-click the destination cell > choose Paste Special > Values, or use the Paste menu and click the 123 icon (Paste Values).
  3. Alternatively: after copying, press Alt, E, S, then V (classic keyboard sequence for Paste Special → Values) and Enter.

4. Copy formulas to another workbook without breaking references

  • If formulas reference other sheets or workbooks, copy using the regular method and then use Paste Formulas at the destination (Paste → Formulas) so Excel attempts to preserve links.
  • If the references point to external workbooks, keep both files open while copying so references update correctly.

Quick examples

// Original cell A2 contains:
=SUM(B2:D2)

// If you copy A2 to A3:
=SUM(B3:D3)   // relative copy

// If you change to:
=SUM($B$2:$D$2)  // absolute, it remains the same after copy
Note: Keyboard shortcuts can vary on macOS (use ⌘ instead of Ctrl). The backtick (`) toggle for “Show Formulas” works in most Windows Excel versions.

 

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