Leave yourself a note for complex formulas
If you've come back to a spreadsheet with no idea why you wrote a particular formula, using notes to leave an explanation directly inside the cell is a simple habit worth building.
Pair it with a custom number format
Combining clear notes with a well-designed custom number format makes a spreadsheet dramatically easier for anyone β including your future self β to follow at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do notes show up when I print the sheet?
By default, notes don't print. To include them, you need to turn on the print-notes option separately under Page Setup, on the Sheet tab.
Are notes the same thing as newer threaded comments?
No. Modern Excel has two separate features: threaded comments, which support replies, and the classic simple note, which is just a plain reference β they exist side by side.