Common Excel Confusions

Common Confusions in Excel

When working on financial models within Excel, it is quite common to come across some of the following confusions. It may seem like Excel is bugging, but in reality, there are some easy fixes to common Excel confusions.

Commands in Toolbar Menu “Greyed Out”

When this occurs, chances are that several tabs or sheets have been unknowingly grouped. To verify this, the user can look at the top of the Excel toolbar and see if the text [GROUP] is beside the sheet name. If so, simply deselect the group by selecting another sheet that is not part of the group. This should clear up the grouping and allow access to the toolbar.

Spreadsheet Suddenly Displays Formulas

When this occurs, the sheet will also become wonky, and cells and rows may enlarge to accommodate the appearance of the >formulas. Often, this means that formula mode has been activated. To return to normal mode, press Ctrl +.

Numbers Appear When Certain Letters Are Pressed

This can be one of the most frustrating of the common Excel confusions. If numbers appear when the letters J, K, L, U, I, O, or M are being pressed, the user may have inadvertently activated NumLock. To deactivate, press Shift + NumLock, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of most keyboards.

Check out our Excel Fundamentals – Formulas for Finance course to avoid these easy mistakes.

Cursor Stays Fixed While the Page Scrolls When Using the Arrow Keys

If the arrow keys do not move cells within Excel, and instead move the entire view as if scrolling, scroll lock has most likely been activated. To deactivate, simply press the Scroll Lock key, which is located near the Num Lock key in the upper right-hand corner of most keyboards.

Pressing the Arrow Keys Selects Cells Even Though Shift Is Not Held Down

If this occurs, there may be two possibilities. The first is that Sticky Keys has been activated, thereby acknowledging a Shift press where there is none. The second involves the Shift key inadvertently sending a press code even though it is not being pressed. This may happen from time to time with cheaper keyboards or faulty hardware. To fix either issue, simply press the Shift key once to register a press followed by a release.

Escape Key

The Escape key is one of the Excel user’s best friends. When in doubt, press the Escape key several times to exit any options or modes that may have been entered.

Learn more about Excel best practices to ensure a smooth modeling experience.

Additional Resources

This article has addressed some of the most common Excel confusions. In addition, we have compiled helpful resources to help you continue developing your financial modeling skills in Excel.

• Formatting Basics: Decimals and Numbers
• Formatting Basics: Colors
• Financial Modeling Overview
• What Makes a Good Financial Model

See all Excel resources

See all Financial Modeling resources