How to Show Tracer Arrows in Excel (2 Methods)

What Are Tracer Arrows in Excel?

Tracer arrows are blue line arrows that visually represent the relationship between cells used in a formula. There are two types of tracer arrows: Trace Precedents Arrow and Trace Dependents Arrow. Both are essential for understanding cell relationships.

Method 1 – Using the Trace Precedents Option

• Enter a formula in cell E5.

This means that cell E5 depends on cells C5 and D5.

• To reveal the relationship, use the Trace Precedents command:
  • Select cell E5.
  • Go to the Formulas tab.
  • Under Formula Auditing, click Trace Precedents.

• A blue tracer line with arrows will appear, indicating the dependency.

Read More: How to Use Blue Line with Arrows in Excel

Method 2 – Using the Trace Dependents Option

• Select cell C5.
• Go to the Formulas tab.
• Under Formula Auditing, click Trace Dependents.

This will show all cells dependent on C5, represented by blue tracer arrows.

Removing Tracer Arrows

• To remove tracer arrows:
  • Go to the Formulas tab.
  • Click Remove Arrows under Formula Auditing.

• This will remove all the blue lines (trace dependents and trace precedents) with arrows.

Read More: How to Remove Tracer Arrows in Excel

Practice Section

We have provided a practice section on each sheet on the right side for your practice.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from here:

Related Articles

• How to Insert Curved Arrow in Excel
• How to Insert Trend Arrows Based on Another Cell in Excel
• How to Add Up and Down Arrows in Excel
• Up and Down Arrows in Excel Using Conditional Formatting
• Double Headed Arrow in Excel
• How to Add Trend Arrows in Excel

<< Go Back to Arrows in Excel | Excel Symbols | Learn Excel