Spreadsheet
Error values and how to fix them
Fix errors with confidence.
When a formula goes wrong, Excel shows an error value, and each one names its cause. Background error checking marks the cell with a small triangle; the Error Checking button explains it and offers fixes.
| Error | What went wrong | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| ##### | Column too narrow (or a negative date or time) | AutoFit Column Width, Shrink to fit, or another number format |
| #DIV/0! | Division by zero, or by a blank cell | Enter the divisor, or use =IF(B5=0,"",A5/B5) |
| #N/A | A value is not available: a lookup value not found, or an unsorted table | Check the value and sort the table |
| #NAME? | Excel does not recognise text in the formula: a misspelt name, or a missing add-in | Correct the spelling |
| #NULL! | An intersection of two ranges that do not meet | Use : for a range and , to join two ranges |
| #NUM! | Invalid numbers, or RATE/IRR cannot find a result | Check the numbers |
| #REF! | A reference is no longer valid: the cells it used were deleted | Restore or re-point the reference |
| #VALUE! | The wrong type of argument: =A5+A6 where A6 holds 'Not available' | Make the argument a number |
Read the error, and you know where to look.
Each error names its cause.
Practise this lesson
Questions that get harder as you improve, a Tutor that helps without giving the answer away, and progress you can see. Free for every learner.
No account, no email address. Opens the real product.