Tech fixes · Spreadsheets, Data & AI

Excel Slow, Freezing or Crashing? How to Fix a Big Spreadsheet

Large spreadsheets usually slow down from whole-column formulas, volatile functions, piles of formatting, links to other files and add-ins. Open Excel in Safe Mode to rule out add-ins, then trim the used range, simplify formulas and convert data to Excel tables.

Also searched as: Excel not responding · Excel file too large · Excel keeps crashing · spreadsheet slow to calculate

Get it fixed Try this first

Starting price: From $400
Where: Remote, anywhere in the U.S.
Quote: Fixed price before work starts

Try this first

Start Excel in Safe Mode to test whether an add-in is the problem
Save a copy before changing anything
Delete unused rows, columns and formatting around the data
Replace volatile and whole-column formulas
Clear old conditional formatting rules
Use Open and Repair if the file won’t open

When it’s more than a quick fix

If the workbook runs part of your business, several people edit it daily or it has outgrown Excel, move the data into a real database or app.

How we fix it remotely

We speed up and repair the workbook, automate the repetitive parts and, when it has outgrown Excel, turn it into a simple app.

In-depth guides

Your Old Access Database or Spreadsheet System Is Breaking: How to Replace It Without Losing Data

Get it fixed

How a remote fix works

1
Tell us what’s happening
Two minutes with the form on this page. No account needed.
2
Get a fixed price
A personal reply within one business day, with the price agreed before any work starts.
3
We fix it remotely
You approve access, follow progress and pay in your private client portal.

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Questions

How do I start Excel in Safe Mode?

Hold Ctrl while opening Excel, or type “excel /safe” in the Windows Run box.

Is my spreadsheet too big for Excel?

If it takes minutes to open or calculate, or several people need it at once, it has probably outgrown Excel.

Can you fix this remotely?