Calculation Issues

Find Excel's Automatic Recalculation Except Data Tables Option

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 873 views

Question details

The user needs to locate the workbook calculation setting formerly known as 'Automatic except for data tables' in Excel 365.

Product: Excel 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Optimizing workbook performance by adjusting calculation settings to prevent large data tables from recalculating constantly.
Observed behavior: The user is unable to find the 'Automatic except for data tables' option in the current Excel interface because the name of the setting has been changed.

Before you start

Before adjusting calculation settings, save your workbook. Keep in mind that changing these options will apply the new calculation behavior to all open spreadsheets in your application.

Solution 1Recommended

Locate the Renamed 'Partial' Calculation Option

Use the Excel Formulas tab to find the updated setting, which has been renamed to 'Partial' in newer versions like Excel 365.

In modern versions of Microsoft Excel, the interface has been streamlined. The lengthy option name 'Automatic except for data tables' has been shortened to simply 'Partial', but the functionality remains exactly the same.

Open the Formulas Tab

Navigate to the ribbon at the top of your Excel window and click on the 'Formulas' tab.

Access Calculation Options

In the 'Calculation' group located on the right side of the ribbon, click the 'Calculation Options' dropdown button.

Select 'Partial'

Choose 'Partial' from the dropdown menu. Selecting this applies the exact same behavior as the old 'Automatic except for data tables' setting.

Alternative Location: You can also access this setting by going to File > Options > Formulas, and selecting 'Manual' with 'Recalculate workbook before saving' unchecked, or by looking for the 'Partial' radio button under Workbook Calculation.

Manage Calculation Options Easily in WPS Office

Use WPS Spreadsheet for Precise Calculation Control

WPS Office Spreadsheet provides an intuitive, user-friendly interface for managing your workbook calculation settings. You can seamlessly switch between automatic and manual calculations, making it easy to handle complex formulas and large datasets without freezing your computer.

1. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your workbook containing the data tables.
2. Navigate to the Formulas Tab: Click on the 'Formulas' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
3. Adjust Calculation Settings: Click on the 'Calculation Options' dropdown and select your preferred setting to optimize the performance of your document.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formats and complex formula structures.Lightweight software that handles massive datasets and data tables smoothly without lagging.Familiar ribbon interface that makes finding calculation and formula options quick and effortless.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do data tables slow down my Excel workbook?

Data tables calculate multiple scenarios simultaneously. If your workbook is set to 'Automatic' calculation, any minor change made anywhere in the worksheet triggers a full recalculation of the entire data table, which can consume significant CPU resources and cause the application to lag.

Does the 'Partial' setting affect standard formulas?

No. When you select 'Partial' (or 'Automatic except for data tables'), standard formulas like SUM or VLOOKUP will still calculate automatically as soon as you change a referenced value. Only data tables are excluded from this automatic recalculation.

How do I force data tables to recalculate when the setting is on Partial?

If your calculation option is set to Partial, you can manually force data tables (and all other formulas) to update by pressing the F9 key on your keyboard, or by clicking the 'Calculate Now' button located in the Formulas tab.

Excel & Data Problems