How to use the Spreadsheet Circular Reference Finder.
Circular references require the dependency relationships, not just the displayed values. Distinguish intentional iterative models from accidental cycles.
Make the workflow fit your task.
Collect formulas from the reported cell and its dependencies, including references across sheets and named ranges. Trace the chain until a cell repeats. Identify which value should be an independent input before proposing a change that breaks the loop.
- What you provide
- Supplied cell formulas and their dependencies.
- What you get
- Circular dependency paths and possible structural fixes.
See the input and the result.
Illustrative input and output · a teaching example, not a live WebAct run
Example input
A1 contains =B1+1 and B1 contains =A1+1.
Completed example
Dependency cycle: A1 → B1 → A1. Clarify the intended inputs before changing either formula.
Load this input into the prompt, then copy it to WebAct to try the task. Your result may differ from the illustration.
Decisions and troubleshooting.
Does enabling iterative calculation fix an accidental circular reference?
It changes how a workbook evaluates cycles. Use it only for an intentional iterative model with appropriate convergence settings.
Why does the loop return after I edit the highlighted cell?
The cycle may cross several formulas or named references. Follow the full dependency path instead of correcting only the currently selected cell.
Try it with your own source.
Replace the example with your material in the task prompt. Keep the requirements you need, then copy the task into WebAct.
Customize and copy the task ↑