All shortcuts

Trace Precedents in Google Sheets

Pro

Windows

Ctrl+Shift+[

Mac

⌘+Shift+[

Excel has Trace Precedents. Google Sheets does not. XLKeys adds it as a unique formula-auditing feature: Ctrl + Shift + [ (⌘ + Shift + [ on Mac) highlights every input a formula uses, including cells on other sheets.

Excel vs. Google Sheets vs. XLKeys

WhereShortcut
ExcelCtrl+[ (select precedents) / Trace Precedents arrows
Google Sheets (native)No keyboard shortcut
Google Sheets + XLKeysCtrl+Shift+[

Google Sheets has no native Trace Precedents — no arrows, no auditing pane.

How to use it

  1. Select a cell containing a formula.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + [ (⌘ + Shift + [ on Mac).
  3. Every cell the formula references is highlighted, including other sheets.

Frequently asked questions

Related shortcuts

Trace Dependents

Ctrl+Shift+]

Goal Seek

Alt→A→W→G

Sensitivity Table (Data Table)

Alt→A→W→T

Make Google Sheets feel like Excel

Install XLKeys to use trace precedents and 150+ other Excel-style shortcuts, Alt-key sequences, formula auditing, Goal Seek, Sensitivity Tables, and Workbook Health audits in Google Sheets.

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