How to Fix the Large Space Under the Formula Bar in Excel?

If you’ve noticed a large space appearing under the formula bar in Microsoft Excel, you may be wondering how to get rid of it. This issue can be frustrating, as it takes up valuable screen real estate and makes it harder to view your spreadsheet data. In this article, we’ll explain what causes this problem and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

What Causes the Large Space Under the Formula Bar in Excel?

The large space under the formula bar in Excel is usually caused by the formula bar being expanded. By default, the formula bar shows a single line for entering and editing formulas. However, if you click the expand button (the small arrow) on the right side of the formula bar, it will expand to show multiple lines. This can be useful for viewing and editing long formulas, but it also creates a large space under the formula bar that can be distracting and take up too much room on your screen.

Another possible cause of the large space under the formula bar is the presence of hidden rows at the top of your spreadsheet. If you’ve hidden rows 1-3, for example, there will be a gap between the formula bar and the first visible row of your data.

How to Remove the Large Space Under the Formula Bar

Fortunately, it’s easy to remove the large space under the formula bar in Excel. Here are the steps:

Method 1: Collapse the Formula Bar

1. Click the collapse button (the small arrow) on the right side of the formula bar.
2. The formula bar will collapse back to a single line, removing the large space underneath it.

If you find yourself frequently expanding and collapsing the formula bar, you can create a quick access toolbar shortcut to make the process even faster:

1. Click the File tab and choose Options.
2. In the Excel Options dialog box, click Quick Access Toolbar.
3. Under Choose commands from, select All Commands.
4. Scroll down and select Formula Bar.
5. Click Add to move it to the quick access toolbar.
6. Click OK to apply the changes.

Now you can quickly toggle the formula bar expansion with a single click on the quick access toolbar.

Method 2: Unhide Hidden Rows

1. Select the first visible row in your spreadsheet by clicking its row number.
2. Press and hold the Shift key, then click the row number of the last hidden row (e.g., row 3 if rows 1-3 are hidden).
3. Right-click on one of the selected row numbers and choose Unhide.
4. The hidden rows will be revealed, eliminating the gap between the formula bar and your data.

If you have many hidden rows and want to unhide them all at once, you can use the following steps:

1. Click the Select All button (the triangle in the top-left corner of the spreadsheet) to select the entire worksheet.
2. Right-click on any row number and choose Unhide.

This will unhide all hidden rows in the worksheet, ensuring there are no gaps between the formula bar and your data.

Tips for Working with the Formula Bar in Excel

Now that you know how to remove the large space under the formula bar, here are some additional tips for working with the formula bar effectively:

Use the Formula Bar to Edit Long Formulas

If you have a long or complex formula, it can be easier to edit it in the expanded formula bar view. Simply click the expand button to show multiple lines, make your changes, and then click the collapse button when you’re done.

When editing formulas in the expanded view, use the Enter key to start a new line within the formula. This can help make your formulas more readable and easier to understand.

Customize the Formula Bar Height

You can adjust the height of the formula bar to better suit your needs. To do this:

1. Click the File tab and choose Options.
2. In the Excel Options dialog box, click Advanced.
3. Under Display, locate the Formula bar height setting.
4. Enter a value (in points) for the desired formula bar height.
5. Click OK to apply the changes.

Keep in mind that increasing the formula bar height will reduce the amount of space available for your spreadsheet data. Find a balance that works best for your specific needs.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

There are several keyboard shortcuts that can save you time when working with the formula bar:

Using these shortcuts can help you navigate and edit formulas more efficiently, reducing the need to switch between your keyboard and mouse.

Show Formulas Instead of Values

If you want to view all the formulas in your spreadsheet instead of their calculated values, you can use the Show Formulas feature:

1. Click the Formulas tab on the ribbon.
2. In the Formula Auditing group, click Show Formulas.

This will display all the formulas in your worksheet, making it easier to audit and troubleshoot your calculations. To return to the normal view, simply click Show Formulas again.

Final Thoughts

The large space under the formula bar in Excel can be annoying, but it’s easy to fix. By collapsing the formula bar or unhiding hidden rows, you can reclaim that valuable screen space and focus on your spreadsheet data. Use the tips and keyboard shortcuts we’ve provided to work more efficiently with the formula bar and optimize your Excel experience.

Remember, the formula bar is a powerful tool for creating and editing formulas in Excel. By mastering its features and customization options, you can streamline your workflow and become a more proficient Excel user.

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Vaishvi Desai

Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.