What does the spreadsheet formula-change report produce?
Compare workbook formulas, named ranges and dependencies between versions without executing macros or external links. Keep the supplied facts, method, result and unresolved items visible for responsible review.
The working area above runs the supported calculator in the browser. It keeps the result inspectable and preserves every unresolved item for responsible review.
What do you need before you start?
- Keep both original XLSX workbook versions.
- Confirm authority to inspect the workbook contents.
- Use a current browser and retain a separate original-file backup.
What information do you enter?
Prepare only the bounded inputs listed below for this calculator.
- Earlier and later XLSX files, each between 1 byte and 10 MB.
- At most 25 sheets, 100,000 populated cells, 10,000 expressions and 1,000 defined names per workbook.
- At most 50 MB of expanded package bytes and 50,000 static dependency observations per workbook.
- Older entered-line drafts can still be compared by line position.
| Field | What to enter | Fictional example |
|---|---|---|
| Comparison methodOptional | Select both actual XLSX files to compare cells, defined names and static dependency observations. Entered lines preserve older text drafts.Choose from Workbook files, Entered formula lines. | Entered formula lines |
| Earlier formulas for entered-line comparisonOptional | Used only for entered lines. Paste one formula per line, retaining blank positions. This does not identify workbook cells. | =A1+B1 =SUM(C1:C4) |
| Later formulas for entered-line comparisonOptional | Used only for entered lines. Preserve line order and duplicate formulas. Workbook files provide the full supported comparison. | =A1+B1 =SUM(C1:C5) |
Download fictional calculation sample (PDF). Requires tailoring and responsible review.
What you can download
Every result must identify its supplied facts, assumptions and unresolved items.
| Free result | Included downloads |
|---|---|
Enter your information, inspect the on-screen result and keep a browser backup. Editing and direct copies of your entered information stay free. |
These supported outputs are free. No checkout is required. |
How does the spreadsheet formula-change report work?
- 1Select both versions
Choose the earlier and later XLSX files. Both remain in this browser during free preparation.
- 2Compare saved expressions
Inspect formulas, array ranges, worksheet visibility, defined names and supported static dependency observations.
- 3Review unresolved behavior
Review dynamic, structured-table, 3D, recursive-name and external references in a spreadsheet application. The tool never calculates values or refreshes links.
- 4Keep the evidence
Download the free working evidence or purchase the finalized pack after reviewing it.
Method and sources
Apply the steps above to the supported inputs. Use the listed source sections to review the rule basis, assumptions and limits.
- XLSX formula and array representationSaved XLSX formula representation and the separation between parsing and calculation. A1 formula strings, array ranges and dynamic array metadata.SheetJS. Reviewed 2026-10-04.
- Workbook and worksheet defined namesSeparate identities for workbook-level and worksheet-local names. Defined name references and workbook or worksheet scope.SheetJS. Reviewed 2026-10-04.
Common questions
What information does the spreadsheet formula-change report need?
Enter earlier and later XLSX files, each between 1 byte and 10 MB; at most 25 sheets, 100,000 populated cells, 10,000 expressions and 1,000 defined names per workbook; at most 50 MB of expanded package bytes and 50,000 static dependency observations per workbook; older entered-line drafts can still be compared by line position. Keep both original XLSX workbook versions.
Who makes the final decision?
A responsible person reviews the result. The report compares saved XLSX expressions and supported static references. It does not calculate values, execute macros, refresh links or authenticate workbook contents.
Is this tool free?
Yes. The on-screen result and listed downloads are free. No checkout is required. Keep local backups and review the stated method and limits.
Can I use the spreadsheet formula-change report for this task?
Compare saved formulas, defined names and supported static references between XLSX versions without calculating values. The report compares saved XLSX expressions and supported static references. It does not calculate values, execute macros, refresh links or authenticate workbook contents.
What still needs review?
The report compares saved XLSX expressions and supported static references. It does not calculate values, execute macros, refresh links or authenticate workbook contents.
Dynamic, structured-table, 3D, recursive-name and external references require separate review. Static observations do not establish a complete calculation dependency graph.
XLS, XLSB, XLSM, password-protected, ZIP64 and malformed packages are unsupported. Private cloud files have a separate 5 MiB limit.