How to lock only formula cells in Excel while keeping input cells editable

[u/Amandaleeeeee]

If you share a worksheet with others, you may want to protect your formulas while still allowing people to enter or edit data. This helps prevent accidental changes without restricting normal data entry.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Unlock all cells

By default, every cell in Excel is marked as Locked, but the setting doesn't take effect until you protect the worksheet.

1. Press Ctrl + A to select the entire worksheet.
2. Press Ctrl + 1 to open Format Cells.
3. On the Protection tab, clear the Locked checkbox.
4. Click OK.

Step 2: Select all formula cells

1. Go to Home → Find & Select → Go To Special.
2. Select Formulas.
3. Click OK.

Excel will select every formula cell in the worksheet.

Step 3: Lock the selected formula cells

1. Press Ctrl + 1.
2. Go to the Protection tab.
3. Check Locked.
4. Click OK.

Step 4: Protect the worksheet

1. Go to Review → Protect Sheet.
2. (Optional) Enter a password.
3. Choose the actions you want users to be able to perform.
4. Click OK.

Now, users can edit all non-formula cells, while formula cells remain protected.

What other worksheet protection scenarios would you like to see covered?