Excel Auto Calculate (6 Easy Ways)

In this article, we have talked about how to make Excel to auto calculate formulas. We have discussed 6 easy methods to do so. We have also explored ways to enable iterative calculation. Lastly, we have talked about how to set calculation precision.

The importance of the Excel auto calculate feature is to enable Excel to update formulas and recalculate values in cells whenever changes are made to the dataset and corresponding formulas. It simplifies the process of updating and modifying large datasets.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download this practice workbook while going through the article.

What is Auto Calculation in Excel?

Auto calculation in Excel is the ability of Excel to populate cells with formulas and update results automatically when a component or data connected to the formula changes. Excel comes with built-in functionalities that enable auto calculation. Auto calculation saves a lot of time and eliminates the need for manual calculation. It ensures accuracy in calculations for large datasets.

How to Make Excel to Auto Calculate Formulas

We have a dataset of some products, their unit prices and quantities.

You can calculate the total price for mobile by using the following formula in cell E5.

Now, if you go to cell E5 and use Fill Handle to AutoFill data in range E6:E14, you will see the same value in all those cells.

Also, you may see that, a change in the cell value does not change the value in the final formula output.

These scenarios can happen when the Excel auto calculate feature is not enabled or not working properly.

1. Use of Excel Options Feature

• Go to the File tab.

• Select Options.

• Excel Options dialog box will appear.
• Go to the Formulas tab.
• Look for the Calculation options section.
• Click on Automatic under the Workbook Calculation header and press OK.

• Calculate total price for mobile in cell E5.
• Select cell E5 and use Fill Handle to AutoFill data in range E6:E14.

2. Enabling Calculations Options to Automatic

• Go to the Formulas tab.
• Click on Calculation Options.
• Select Automatic.

• Calculate total price for mobile in cell E5.
• Select cell E5 and use Fill Handle to AutoFill data in range E6:E14.

3. Using Calculate Now Option of Excel

Suppose, you have calculated the total price in range E5:E14 by using the previous method but the values are the same in all of the cells.

• In this situation, select range E5:E14.
• Go to the Formulas tab.
• Click on Calculate Now from the Calculation group.

• You will see the accurately updated values in range E5:E14.

4. Apply Keyboard Shortcut in Excel for Auto Calculation

• If the values are the same in all the cells of range E5:E14 after calculation, press F9 button from the keyboard.

• It will update the results in range E5:E14.

5. Auto Calculate Using Excel Table

• Select any cell of the data set.
• Press Ctrl + T.
• Create Table dialog box will open.
• Check the My table has headers option.
• Press OK.

• Calculate total price for mobile in cell E5 by using this formula.

• The rest of the cells in range E5:E14 will automatically populate.

6. Apply VBA Code to Auto Calculate

• Go to the Developer tab >> Visual Basic.

• Select Insert >> Module.

• Paste the following code in your VBA Macro Editor.
• Press the Run button or F5 key to run the code.

Sub Auto_Calculate()
    'variable declaration
    Dim WS As Worksheet
    Dim myRng As Range
    'set variables
    Set WS = ActiveSheet
    Set myRng = WS.Range("B5:E14")
    'auto calculate formula in a range of cells
    For i = 1 To myRng.Rows.Count
        myRng.Cells(i, 4) = myRng.Cells(i, 2) * myRng.Cells(i, 3)
    Next i
End Sub

• You will see the output in range E5:E14.

For i = 1 To myRng.Rows.Count
        myRng.Cells(i, 4) = myRng.Cells(i, 2) * myRng.Cells(i, 3)
Next i

How to Enable Iterative Calculation in Excel

• Follow Method 1 and open Excel Options dialog box.
• Navigate to the Formulas tab.
• Under the Calculation Options section, check the Enable Iterative calculation option.
• Press OK to save changes.

How to Set Calculation Precision in Excel

• Follow Method 1 and open Excel Options dialog box.
• Navigate to the Advanced tab.
• Look for the When calculating this workbook section.
• Check the Set precision as displayed option.
• Click OK to save changes.

Things to Remember

There are a few things to remember while performing Excel auto calculate.

• Press the F9 key to refresh the worksheet.
• Be careful with circular cell references.
• Ensure that formulas are correctly inserted in cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I disable the auto calculate feature in Excel?

Yes, you can disable the auto calculate feature in Excel following the same procedure of enabling it.

2. How can I force Excel to recalculate my formulas?

You can force Excel to recalculate formulas either by pressing the F9 key or using the Calculate Now option under the Formulas tab.

3. Why are my formulas not updating automatically in Excel?

First, check if the Automatic calculation mode is selected. Additionally, ensure that the formulas have correct cell references. Circular references or errors in formulas can also resist automatic updates.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed how to make Excel auto calculate in detail. We have demonstrated 6 easy methods. If you have any questions regarding this essay, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments. Also, if you want to see more Excel content like this, please visit our website, and unlock a great resource for Excel-related content.

Excel Auto Calculate: Knowledge Hub

• How to Turn on Auto Calculate in Excel
• How to Make Excel Auto Calculate Formulas
• Excel Spreadsheet Formulas not Updating Automatically
• Excel Turn off Auto Calculate VBA

<< Go Back to How to Calculate in Excel | Learn Excel