How To Spell Check in Excel
Jan 14, 2025
Did you know that you can spell check in Excel?
Though Microsoft Excel doesn't automatically underline misspelled words, it has a built-in spell-check feature. Learning how to use this feature will help you tidy up your sheet and avoid embarrassing spelling errors. It will also save you time as you won't have to fix spelling errors one by one.
This guide will cover how to spell check in Excel manually and with the aid of an AI tool.
How to Access Spell Check in Excel
This section walks you through the steps to access and use Excel's spell-check feature effectively.
Using the Ribbon.
To start a spell check in Excel:
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Navigate to the Review tab on the Ribbon.
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Click on the Spelling button.
Using a keyboard shortcut.
For faster access, press F7 on your keyboard. This shortcut initiates the spell-checking process immediately.
Selection matters.
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Excel will check the entire worksheet if you select a single cell.
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If you select a range of cells, Excel will check only that range.
Understanding the Spell Check Dialog Box
When Excel detects a misspelled word, it presents several options in the Spelling dialog box. Here are the options you have to correct spelling errors:
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Ignore Once: Skips the current instance of the word.
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Ignore All: Skips all instances of the word throughout the worksheet.
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Add to Dictionary: Saves the word for future recognition.
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Change: Replaces the word with the selected suggestion.
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Change All: Replaces all instances of the misspelled word with the selected suggestion.
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AutoCorrect: Automatically fixes the misspelling in future occurrences.
Customizing Spell Check Settings
Excel’s spell-check feature can be tailored to fit your unique needs, whether it’s correcting frequent typos automatically or adding custom terms to your dictionary. Let's explore the customization options available to make spell-checking more efficient and accurate.
AutoCorrect Options.
You can personalize your spell check settings with AutoCorrect:
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Go to File > Options > Proofing.
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Click AutoCorrect Options.
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Add entries to correct common mistakes automatically.
Custom Dictionaries.
For specialized terms or unique names:
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Navigate to File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries.
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Add or edit words to enhance the spell check’s accuracy.
How to Spell Check in Multiple Worksheets
Excel allows users to check spelling mistakes in multiple worksheets simultaneously. To spell check words across multiple sheets:
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Right-click a sheet tab and select Select All Sheets.
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Press F7 to run the spell check.
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Once finished, right-click again and choose Ungroup Sheets to prevent unintended edits.
Spell Check in Different Languages
Excel supports grammar checking in multiple languages. Follow these steps to switch the dictionary language:
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Start the spell check by clicking Spelling on the Review tab.
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In the Spelling pane, select the desired language from the Dictionary language list.
Automating Spell Check with AI
If you frequently work with text-heavy data, you can automate spell-checking using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). Here’s a simple macro you can get from AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude:
Sub SpellCheck()
Cells.CheckSpelling
End Sub
Read more: Learn how to use VBA code in Excel.
Limitations of Excel's Spell Check Tool
While useful, Excel’s spell check tool has some limitations you should know. They include:
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It does not check spelling in cells containing formulas.
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Words in uppercase, those containing numbers, and internet & file addresses are ignored by default.
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Unlike Word, Excel doesn’t underline misspelled words as you type.
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Excel does not automatically flag repeated words, such as "the the," as an error.
Final Thoughts on "How To Spell Check in Excel"
Spell checking in Excel may not be as intuitive as in Word, but it’s essential for maintaining professionalism and accuracy. You can ensure your Excel documents are error-free by using the spell check feature, customizing settings, and even automating the process with VBA. Make spell-checking a regular part of your workflow to save time and avoid potential mistakes.
For more easy-to-follow Excel guides and the latest Excel Templates, visit Simple Sheets and the related articles section of this blog post.
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FAQ on "How To Spell Check in Excel"
1. Does Excel underline spelling errors as you type?
No, Excel does not underline spelling errors as you type. You must run a manual spell check to identify misspelled words.
2. Can Excel spell-check multiple sheets at once?
Yes, you can spell-check multiple sheets by grouping them first, then pressing F7. Remember to ungroup them afterward to avoid unintended changes.
3. How do I add custom words to the dictionary?
Navigate to File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries, then add your desired words. This ensures Excel recognizes these words during spell checks.
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