'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Review an Excel Workbook Analysis Report
Question details
The user wants to know how to analyze and review an Excel workbook using the Spreadsheet Inquire feature.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Generating and reviewing a detailed structural or formula analysis report of a workbook.
- Observed behavior
- Looking for the proper instructions and entry points to utilize the Spreadsheet Inquire analysis capabilities.
Ensure that your version of Microsoft Office includes the Spreadsheet Inquire add-in (available in Office Professional Plus and Microsoft 365 Enterprise editions) and that it is enabled in your COM Add-ins settings.
Use Spreadsheet Inquire to Analyze a Workbook
Enable the Inquire COM add-in and run the Workbook Analysis tool to generate a comprehensive report of your workbook's structure and formulas.
The Spreadsheet Inquire tool allows you to see hidden sheets, external data links, and complex formula dependencies. It must be enabled manually before first use.
Open Excel, go to File > Options, and click on Add-Ins. In the Manage dropdown at the bottom, select COM Add-ins and click Go. Check the box next to Inquire Add-in and click OK.
Click the newly added Inquire tab on your Excel ribbon, then click Workbook Analysis in the Report group.
When the Workbook Analysis dialog box appears, check the items you want to review (such as formulas, warnings, or hidden sheets) to view the generated report data.
To save the results, click the Excel Export button within the dialog box to load the analysis report into a new, organized worksheet.
Try WPS Office for Seamless Data Analysis
If your current software lacks advanced workbook analysis add-ins or you are seeking a more cost-effective productivity suite, WPS Office provides a robust, lightweight alternative with high compatibility and built-in auditing tools.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office from the official website and run the quick installation.
- 2. Open Your Workbooks: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing Excel (.xlsx) files directly with zero format loss.
- 3. Use Formula Auditing: Navigate to the Formulas tab to use Trace Precedents, Trace Dependents, and Error Checking as alternative analysis methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find the Inquire tab in Excel?
The Inquire tab is turned off by default and must be enabled via File > Options > Add-Ins > COM Add-ins. Additionally, it is only included in specific editions such as Office Professional Plus or Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise.
What information does the Workbook Analysis report provide?
The report provides detailed structural information about your Excel file, including a breakdown of formulas, array formulas, hidden worksheets, external data connections, linked workbooks, and potential warnings or errors.
Does WPS Office have the Spreadsheet Inquire add-in?
Spreadsheet Inquire is a proprietary COM add-in developed specifically for certain Microsoft Office editions. While WPS Office does not feature this exact add-in, it provides built-in formula auditing tools and error checking functions to help analyze workbook data.
Can I share the generated analysis report with others?
Yes, by clicking the 'Excel Export' button in the Workbook Analysis dialog, you can export the entire report into a new spreadsheet, which can then be saved and shared with your team.
