Spreadsheet risks we check
What each finding means, why it matters, how to find it by hand in Excel, and how DraftReview detects it.
Hard-coded numbers in formula columns
A hard-coded override is a typed number sitting in a column where every neighbouring cell is calculated.
medium riskInconsistent formulas
An inconsistent formula breaks the pattern of the cells around it — for example =A6*B7 in a column where every other row multiplies cells on the same row.
high riskBroken references (#REF!)
A #REF! error appears when a formula refers to a cell, row, column or sheet that was deleted, or when a copied formula points outside the sheet.
high riskFormula error values
Formulas that currently return #N/A, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #NAME? or #NUM! mean a lookup missed, a divisor was zero or an input has the wrong type..
medium riskLinks to other workbooks
An external link is a formula that reads from another workbook, such as =[Rates.xlsx]FX!B2.
medium riskHidden and very hidden sheets
Sheets can be hidden (unhide from the sheet tab menu) or very hidden (only visible in the VBA editor).
low riskHidden rows and columns
Hidden rows and columns are often harmless helper areas, but they can also hold excluded or overridden data that still flows into totals..
high riskFormulas overwritten between versions
When someone pastes values over a calculated cell, the new version still shows a sensible number — but it will never update again..
high riskChanged templates in returned files
Collecting data through an Excel template only works if everyone keeps the structure.
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