Excel computes all formulas and then displays the results in the cells that contain them.

When you change the values in the cells to which these formulas refer, Excel updates the values of the formulas as well. This updating process is called recalculation, and it affects only those cells containing references to cells that have changed.

By default, Excel recalculates whenever you make changes to a cell.

If a large number of cells must be recalculated, the words Calculating Cells and a number appear at the left end of the status bar. The number indicates the percentage of recalculation that has been completed. You can interrupt the recalculation process simply by using commands or making cell entries; Excel pauses and then resumes recalculation when you are finished.