What a workbook audit can surface
A workbook audit is a screening step. It highlights formula and structure patterns that may deserve review; it does not determine whether a model is financially or scientifically correct.
| Signal | Why review it |
|---|---|
| Formula errors | An error may flow into downstream calculations or reports. |
| Potential hardcodes | A constant inside a formula region may be intentional or may break consistency. |
| Copied-formula inconsistencies | A formula pattern that differs from neighboring formulas may indicate an accidental edit. |
| Volatile formulas | Some functions recalculate frequently and can make a workbook slower or less predictable. |
| Full-column references | Unbounded references can increase recalculation work in a large model. |
| External dependencies | Imported or externally refreshed data can affect reliability and reproducibility. |
Trace what feeds a result
Use formula tracing to inspect direct precedents (cells a formula reads) or dependents (formulas that refer to a selected cell). Tracing helps explain how an important output is built and where an unexpected value may be originating.
Compare ranges or model versions
When a model has changed, compare the relevant ranges to identify added, removed or changed values and formulas. Review the difference report in context: a flagged change is evidence to inspect, not a verdict that the change is wrong.
Review findings before changing the model
Run an audit on a copy or choose a result-sheet destination. Review each finding against the model owner’s documentation, confirm whether the pattern is intentional and record any follow-up outside the scan. Sheet Analyst keeps the workbook content in Google Sheets™ and does not transmit cell contents or formula results to Better Work Apps.
Common questions
Does a workbook audit certify that my model is correct?
No. It flags common formula and structure patterns for review. It cannot verify business logic, source-data validity or whether a model’s assumptions are appropriate.
Will an audit change formulas?
The audit workflow produces a report for review. Other tools may write outputs, so review the selected destination and confirmation before running any action that modifies a workbook.
Can I compare two model versions?
Yes. Sheet Analyst can compare ranges to help identify changed values and formulas. Select corresponding ranges and review the report in context.