Formula bar
Alternatively referred to as a formula box, the formula bar is a section in Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet applications. It shows the contents of the current cell and allows you to create and view formulas. The two pictures below are examples of what the formula bar looks like in Microsoft Excel. To start creating a formula, click the mouse cursor in the formula bar and enter an equal sign (=). In both of the examples below, we're using the =SUM, which is telling Excel to add each of the cells.
Where is the formula bar located in Microsoft Excel?
The formula bar in all versions of Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs is located at the top of the window above the cells as shown in the picture below.
In the above example, the formula bar has a cell content of "=SUM(D2:D5)" that is giving the result of "$162.00" for the Total of cells D2 through D5.