In Excel, the other cells that are referred to in a formula are called precedents. Conversely, the cell containing the formula is a dependent because it needs the cell containing the data to complete its function. I’ve written before about the ability to trace precedents and dependents, But I recently learned two keyboard shortcuts that take you to your current cell’s precedents or dependents.
Ctrl+[ will move your cursor to the precedent(s) of the current cell, that is, the cell or cells that a formula in the current cell refers to.
Ctrl+] will move your cursor to the dependent(s) of the current cell, that is, the cell or cells with a formula that uses the current cell.
Some of you are asking why anyone would want to do that. Here are three good reasons.
- Checking Formulas. If you want to quickly check to make sure your formula is pointing to the right cell, Ctrl+[ will take you to the cells referenced in your formula. Then Ctrl+] to get back where you started.
- If you’re thinking of deleting or changing a cell but don’t know what it will affect, Ctrl+] will tell you if it is used in any formulas.
- Formulas now become shortcuts to help you navigate large spreadsheets, allowing you to jump between and detail sections and totals.
