Here are the steps on how to lock formulas in Microsoft Excel:
- Select the cells that contain the formulas that you want to lock.
- Click on the Home tab.
- In the Editing group, click on the Format Cells button.
- In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the Protection tab.
- Under Protection options, select the Protect worksheet and contents of locked cells checkbox.
- In the Password box, type a password to protect the worksheet.
- Click on the OK button.
Once you have locked the formulas in your worksheet, you will not be able to edit them unless you know the password. This is a good way to protect your formulas from accidental changes or tampering.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind:
- You can also lock cells that do not contain formulas. This can be helpful if you want to prevent users from changing the data in the cells.
- To unlock a worksheet, click on the Review tab. In the Changes group, click on the Unprotect Sheet button.
- If you forget the password to a protected worksheet, you can reset the password by opening the worksheet in Protected View. In Protected View, click on the File tab and then click on Info. In the Protect Workbook section, click on the Remove Protection button. You will be prompted to enter the current password. If you do not know the current password, click on the More Options button and then click on the Reset Password button. You will be prompted to enter a new password.
Now, the formulas you locked will be protected from accidental changes. Users will be able to enter data in unlocked cells, but they won’t be able to modify the locked cells containing the formulas without the appropriate password (if you set one).
Remember to keep a record of your password if you choose to set one. If you forget the password, it can be challenging to unlock the sheet.
Please note that the exact steps and options may vary depending on your version of Microsoft Excel. The instructions provided are based on the general process for locking formulas in Excel.