Ampler’s Inspect formulas decomposes a formula into a navigable tree of its elements and dependencies, with readable cell names and live editing — full transparency of how a model works.
Quick answer: Select a cell with a formula and click Inspect formulas on the Ampler ribbon to open a tree view of the formula, its elements, and the cells it depends on.
How to use it
Open a tree view of a formula, its elements, and dependencies.
- Select a cell with a formula you wish to inspect.
- Click Inspect formulas on the Ampler ribbon.
The formula is decomposed into a tree you can navigate; cells are named intelligently from their row and column headers, and you can add watches and edit the model in real time.
Keyboard shortcut
Inspect formulas has no default shortcut. To assign one, open the Settings dropdown on the Ampler ribbon, choose Shortcuts, click Set shortcut on the function, and press your key combination.
Why use it
Understanding a complex formula — or a model you didn’t build — means tracing it cell by cell in your head. Inspect formulas decomposes it into a navigable tree, names the cells from their headers, and lets you watch critical values and edit as you go, so the model’s inner workings are transparent.
How consultants use it
Due diligence on a model, and reviewing a complex build, both demand understanding exactly how each number is derived. Inspect formulas gives that transparency. Three habits apply:
- Decompose the logic: a formula is broken into its elements and dependencies.
- Navigate an unfamiliar model: readable cell names and a tree view make someone else’s model legible.
- Watch the critical values: cell watches keep key outputs in view while you work.
Inspect formulas makes a model’s inner workings fully transparent.
Tips & best practices
- Use it on the most complex formulas and on models you didn’t build.
- Add watches to the critical outputs before editing.
- Pair with Trace and Visualise formulas for a full audit toolkit.
Availability
Included in Ampler for Excel and the Ampler Suite, on Windows desktop Excel.
Frequently asked questions
How do you understand a complex formula in Excel?
Select the cell and click Inspect formulas on the Ampler ribbon. It decomposes the formula into a navigable tree of its elements and dependencies, with readable cell names.
How do you audit a model you didn’t build?
Use Ampler’s Inspect formulas to navigate the model as a tree, with cells named from their headers and watches on critical values.
Can you edit the model while inspecting?
Yes. Inspect formulas supports real-time model editing and navigation.