WPS FORMULATEXT is a spreadsheet function for viewing formulas as text in WPS Spreadsheet; it includes 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
FORMULATEXT is a built-in function in WPS Spreadsheet that returns the formula from a target cell as text. It is useful for checking formula structure, reviewing references, and organizing formula examples in worksheets.
Core tasks include:
- Insert FORMULATEXT from the Insert Function dialog.
- Type
=FORMULATEXT(...)directly in a cell or in the formula bar. - Review the function syntax and parameter guidance before confirming input.
This function is useful for formula review, training, template inspection, and worksheet handoff scenarios.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office |
| Network | No mandatory internet connection is required for local function input; internet access is needed for download, updates, and online help |
| Other | WPS Spreadsheet should be installed, and the workbook should contain cells with formulas |
Download & Installation
Before using FORMULATEXT, install WPS Office for Windows and make sure WPS Spreadsheet is included.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Office, open a spreadsheet file, and confirm that Insert Function is available on the Formulas tab |
Source: WPS download center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | WPS Spreadsheet supports FORMULATEXT to return the formula in a referenced cell as text, which is useful for checking formula content inside a worksheet. | Excel provides FORMULATEXT(reference) and states that it returns a formula as a string, including what appears in the formula bar for the referenced cell. | Google Sheets provides FORMULATEXT(cell) and states that it returns a formula as a string; when a range is passed, the upper-left cell is evaluated. | Notion provides a formula language for database properties, functions, and operators, but it is not a cell-based spreadsheet function environment and does not provide a direct spreadsheet-style FORMULATEXT equivalent. | Adobe Acrobat supports calculated form fields for PDF forms, focusing on field calculations rather than spreadsheet cell formulas such as FORMULATEXT. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: Works in a familiar spreadsheet formula workflow, so you can insert it from the function dialog or type it directly in a cell. Distinct: It helps you inspect formula text and continue editing in the same worksheet environment. | Compared with WPS: Excel documents more workbook, worksheet protection, and error-return conditions for FORMULATEXT. | Compared with WPS: Google Sheets emphasizes browser-based editing and help prompts during formula entry. | Compared with WPS: Notion formulas are designed for database properties instead of direct worksheet cell formula inspection. | Compared with WPS: Adobe calculation features are designed for PDF form fields rather than spreadsheet formula review. |
| Official Source | — | FORMULATEXT function | FORMULATEXT function | Formula syntax and functions | Configure form field calculations in Acrobat |
Overall Conclusion
If your work focuses on reviewing and entering spreadsheet formulas, WPS FORMULATEXT fits naturally into a worksheet-based workflow. Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets also provide comparable formula-text functions, while Notion and Adobe focus on database formulas or PDF form calculations for different use cases.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable Users | Main Pain Point | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Review template formulas | Finance, admin, and operations staff | Need to confirm which formula is actually used in a cell | Use FORMULATEXT to return the formula text for checking |
| 2 | Demonstrate formula structure | Teachers and trainers | Need to show formula syntax instead of calculation results | Enter FORMULATEXT in an example cell to display the formula |
| 3 | Troubleshoot references | Data analysts | Hard to identify reference relationships when results look wrong | Use FORMULATEXT to inspect the target cell formula |
| 4 | Audit worksheet logic in batches | Team collaborators | Difficult to understand formulas in a workbook created by someone else | Review key cells through returned formula text |
| 5 | Organize formula examples | Students and beginners | Hard to remember syntax and argument order | Use the function dialog and syntax guidance while entering formulas |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free Users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Use basic spreadsheet functions in WPS Spreadsheet | ✅ | ✅ |
| Enter and view formula text with FORMULATEXT | ✅ | ✅ |
| Extended benefits such as advanced PDF tools and more cloud storage | Partially limited | More extended capabilities are available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday spreadsheet editing and learning functions | Free version | FORMULATEXT itself can be used directly for basic formula viewing and input |
| Need more PDF tools, cloud storage, or broader office capabilities | WPS Premium | Suitable for users with broader cross-module office needs |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page