Powerful Spreadsheet Validation Features
Excel Risk Check combines multiple analysis engines to give you a complete picture of spreadsheet risk. Every check is designed to catch the errors that cause real business problems.
Formula Validation Engine
Our formula validation engine performs deep analysis of every formula in your spreadsheet. Unlike simple error checking, we examine formula structure, dependencies, and potential failure modes.
The engine detects all standard Excel error values including #REF! (invalid references), #VALUE! (wrong value types), #DIV/0! (division by zero), #N/A (value not available), #NAME? (unrecognized names), #NUM! (invalid numbers), and #NULL! (incorrect ranges).
Beyond error detection, we identify formulas that are technically valid but potentially problematic: extremely complex nested formulas, inconsistent formula patterns across ranges, and formulas that reference cells in unexpected locations.
What We Check
- All Excel error types (#REF, #VALUE, #DIV/0, #N/A, #NAME, #NUM, #NULL)
- Circular references with dependency chain visualization
- Volatile functions (NOW, TODAY, RAND, RANDBETWEEN, OFFSET, INDIRECT)
- Array formula detection and validation
- Formula complexity scoring based on nesting depth
- Inconsistent formulas within expected ranges
Sample Formula Risk Score
Circular Reference Detection
Circular references are one of the most dangerous spreadsheet errors because they often produce plausible-looking results.
Dependency Graph Analysis
We build a complete dependency graph of your spreadsheet to identify all circular reference chains, not just the ones Excel warns about.
Root Cause Identification
Instead of just flagging the circular reference, we identify the specific cells and formulas that create the cycle so you can fix the root cause.
Chain Visualization
See exactly how cells reference each other in the circular chain. Our reports show the complete path so you understand the problem structure.
Data Quality Analysis
Bad data causes bad decisions. Our data quality checks ensure your spreadsheet data meets professional standards.
Data quality issues are often invisible until they cause problems downstream. A single empty row can break a VLOOKUP. Mixed data types in a column can produce calculation errors. Duplicate entries can inflate totals. Our data quality analysis catches these issues before they propagate.
Required Column Validation
Configure required columns per sheet and we'll flag any missing values. This is essential for ensuring data completeness before import into downstream systems.
Data Type Enforcement
Define expected data types (numeric, date, currency, text, boolean) for columns and we'll identify cells that don't match. Catch the text value accidentally entered in a numeric column.
Duplicate Detection
Identify duplicate rows that may indicate data entry errors or import problems. Configure which columns define uniqueness based on your data structure.
Range Validation
Set minimum and maximum bounds for numeric columns. Catch outliers and data entry errors that fall outside expected ranges.
Structural Risk Detection
Spreadsheet structure directly impacts reliability. We analyze the structural elements that increase error probability.
File Size Analysis
Large files (10MB+) are harder to review and more prone to corruption. We flag oversized spreadsheets with recommendations for optimization.
Sheet Count Monitoring
Spreadsheets with 20+ sheets become difficult to navigate and review. We identify workbooks that may need restructuring.
Hidden Element Detection
Hidden sheets, rows, and columns can harbor errors or outdated data. We flag all hidden elements for review.
External Link Inventory
External links create dependencies that can break without warning. We catalog all external references so you understand your data dependencies.
Named Range Tracking
Named ranges improve readability but can become stale. We inventory all named ranges and check for broken references.
Merged Cell Detection
Merged cells complicate data processing and can cause formula errors. We flag all merged cells for consideration.
Deterministic Risk Scoring
Our risk scoring algorithm produces a consistent 0-100 score that reflects the actual risk level of your spreadsheet. The same spreadsheet always produces the same score, making it useful for tracking improvements over time.
Category Weightings
The overall risk score is calculated from weighted category scores:
- Formula Risk (35%) — Errors, circular references, volatile functions
- Reference/Links Risk (25%) — External links, broken references
- Structural Risk (20%) — File size, sheet count, hidden elements
- Data Quality Risk (20%) — Empty rows, mixed types, duplicates
Severity Penalties
Issues are classified by severity and penalized accordingly: Errors (-15 points), Warnings (-5 points), and Info (-1 point). This ensures critical issues have proportional impact on the overall score.
Low Risk
Score 80-100: Spreadsheet passes validation with minimal concerns.
Medium Risk
Score 40-79: Issues detected that should be addressed before use.
High Risk
Score 0-39: Critical issues require immediate attention.
Flexible Reporting Options
Export your validation results in the format that works best for your workflow.
JSON Export
Machine-readable format perfect for integration with other systems, automated workflows, or custom dashboards. Complete issue details with cell references.
Excel Report
Issues documented in an Excel workbook with hyperlinks to problem cells. Navigate directly from the report to the issue location in your spreadsheet.
Audit-Ready PDF Report
Professional audit-ready document suitable for sharing with stakeholders, attaching to review documentation, or archiving for records.