[Someone1234]

Break them down into multiple smaller formulas, with a column above explaining what they each do. Then consume the previous result in the next formula. This doesn't even need to be on the same sheet as the actual primary consumer sheet.

[jack_ruru]

Yeah, that’s usually what I do as well. Breaking formulas into helper columns definitely makes things clearer.

What I’ve been running into is cases where large formulas already exist (and refactoring them into multiple columns isn’t always an option), so I started wondering whether a structural representation could help with understanding and small edits, rather than replacing that approach.

I’m not convinced it’s better yet — just exploring the space.

[chrisjj]

> with a column above explaining what they each do.

Then hide the intermediate columns.

> This doesn't even need to be on the same sheet

... provided you can tolerate every cell reference burdened by a sheet name.

[jack_ruru]

Yeah, that’s usually what I do as well. Breaking formulas down into smaller pieces with clear intent helps a lot.

What I’ve been thinking about lately are cases where large formulas already exist, and changing the sheet structure (adding helper columns or moving things around) isn’t always practical.

In those situations, it feels useful to first understand what the existing formula is doing structurally, before deciding whether and how to refactor it.

I’m not convinced this is a better approach yet — just exploring the space.