Risk Templates for Spreadsheet Validation
Pre-built rule sets that identify common risk indicators in Excel files. Catch the patterns that lead to spreadsheet errors before they cause problems.
Why Use Risk Templates?
Spreadsheet errors follow predictable patterns. Our templates catch them automatically.
Studies consistently show that the majority of spreadsheets contain errors. These errors aren't random — they follow patterns that experienced reviewers learn to look for. Hardcoded values buried in formulas. Volatile functions that produce different results each time. Hidden elements that obscure important calculations.
Our risk templates encode this expertise into automated checks. Instead of manually reviewing every formula, you get instant identification of the patterns that most often lead to errors in real-world spreadsheets.
Common Risk Patterns We Detect
- Hardcoded values in formulas — Numbers embedded directly rather than referenced
- Volatile functions — NOW(), TODAY(), RAND() that recalculate unpredictably
- Hidden elements — Sheets, rows, or columns that may contain overlooked data
- Complex nesting — Deeply nested formulas that are hard to verify
- External dependencies — Links to other files that may break
- Missing traceability — Inputs without clear source documentation
What Our Templates Check
Each template focuses on a specific category of risk indicators.
Hardcoded Value Detection
Identifies numeric values embedded directly in formulas rather than referenced from documented input cells. Hardcoded values bypass input validation and obscure the data sources used in calculations.
Volatile Function Flags
Flags NOW(), TODAY(), RAND(), and other volatile functions that recalculate unpredictably. These functions can produce different results each time the spreadsheet is opened, creating challenges for verification.
Input Traceability
Examines whether input values can be traced to their sources. Formulas that reference unexplained values or unnamed ranges reduce transparency and make validation difficult.
Formula Complexity
Scores formula complexity based on nesting depth and function count. Highly complex formulas are error-prone and difficult to review. We identify formulas that may need simplification or documentation.
Hidden Element Inventory
Catalogs all hidden sheets, rows, and columns. Hidden elements can contain outdated data, bypass calculations, or obscure important information from reviewers.
Circular Reference Detection
Identifies circular references that can produce incorrect results depending on calculation order. Circular references in financial models are a significant risk indicator.
Using Risk Templates in Your Workflow
Integrate spreadsheet validation into your standard review process.
Identify Critical Spreadsheets
Catalog the spreadsheets that impact important decisions. These include budgets, forecasts, reconciliations, and any model used to derive key numbers.
Establish a Baseline
Run Excel Risk Check on each critical spreadsheet to establish a baseline risk score. Document the current state and any known issues. This becomes your starting point.
Address High-Risk Issues
Fix issues identified as Errors or high-severity Warnings. Fix circular references, remove unnecessary volatile functions, document hardcoded values, and simplify complex formulas where possible.
Validate Regularly
Make validation part of your standard process. Run Excel Risk Check before major deadlines, after significant changes, and as part of periodic reviews.
Spreadsheet Risk Statistics
Research consistently shows that spreadsheet errors are pervasive.