Excel: calculate with hidden numbers
In Microsoft Excel you can hide entire cells and still calculate with the hidden numbers. In the case of extensive portfolios, unimportant intermediate values can be hidden without influencing the calculations. We'll show you how it works.
Hide and count on Excel cells
The real trick is to hide the values. You can do this with a little trick in formatting:
- First enter the desired value in a cell. Then right-click on the field and select the entry [Format cells].
- A new window is opening up. Click here on the entry [User-defined]. Enter the following command under "Type": ";;;" (three semicolons). With a click on [OK] the value disappears from the edited cell.
- This has no effect on your bills. You can specify the cell in any formula and Excel continues to calculate with the hidden value as in the screenshot.
The practical tip refers to Microsoft Excel 2007, but also works in other versions.