How to spell check in Excel

This tutorial demonstrates various methods for spell-checking in Excel: manual checks, VBA macros, and using a specialized tool. Learn to check spelling in cells, ranges, worksheets, and entire workbooks.

While Excel isn't a word processor, its spell-checking feature is valuable. Unlike Word, it lacks grammar checking and real-time underlining, but it provides essential spell-checking functionality.

Excel Spell Checking Methods:

Excel offers two primary spell-checking approaches: a ribbon button and a keyboard shortcut. Select the starting cell and:

• Press F7.
• Click the "Spelling" button on the "Review" tab.

This initiates a spell check on the active worksheet.

The "Spelling" dialog appears when a potential error is found.

Correcting Mistakes:

Choose a suggestion, then click "Change." To ignore a word, use "Ignore Once" or "Ignore All." Add a word to the dictionary with "Add to Dictionary." "Change All" replaces all instances. "AutoCorrect" attempts automatic correction. Select a different language from "Dictionary language." Click "Options…" for settings. "Cancel" stops the process.

Spell Checking Specific Areas:

Excel's spell check adapts to your selection:

• Single Cell: Checks the active sheet from the selected cell onward, including headers, footers, comments, and graphics. Starting from A1 checks the entire sheet.
• Range of Cells: Checks the selected range.
• Part of a Cell: Select text in the formula bar or cell to check only that portion.

Multi-Sheet Spell Checking:

1. Ctrl-click to select multiple sheet tabs.
2. Press F7 or click "Spelling."

Right-click selected tabs and choose "Ungroup Sheets" after completion.

Workbook-Wide Spell Checking:

Right-click a sheet tab, select "Select All Sheets," then press F7 or click "Spelling."

Spell Checking Formulas:

Normally, Excel skips formula text. Enter edit mode (double-click the cell) before running spell check to include formula text.

VBA Macros for Spell Checking:

Automate spell checking with VBA macros:

• Sub SpellCheckActiveSheet() ActiveSheet.CheckSpelling End Sub (Active sheet)
• Sub SpellCheckAllVisibleSheets() ... End Sub (All visible sheets)
• Sub SpellCheckAllSheets() ... End Sub (All sheets, visible and hidden)

A macro to highlight misspelled words in red:

Sub HighlightMispelledCells() ... End Sub

Adjusting Spell Check Settings:

Access settings via File > Options > Proofing. Configure options like ignoring uppercase words, numbers, internet addresses, and repeated words.

Troubleshooting:

• Greyed-out "Spelling" button: Worksheet protection; unprotect it.
• Edit mode: Exit edit mode to check the entire sheet.
• Formulas: Enter edit mode to check formula text.

Fuzzy Duplicate Finder (Advanced Tool):

The Ablebits Ultimate Suite's Fuzzy Duplicate Finder efficiently detects and corrects typos.

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