Excel is an amazing tool, but let's be honest, sometimes it can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics. And even if you're skilled with building formulas, you've no doubt encountered those frustrating error messages that seem to pop up for no reason. After years of using Excel, I've found myself in exasperating situations many times, but I decided to invest some time learning how to fix those errors and improve my skills. If you're someone who wants to learn how to use Excel without the headaches, keep reading, as I explain common formula errors and how to fix them.
Before diving into common errors, it's essential to master the basics. Excel understands a formula as any cell starting with the equal sign (=). Starting off with a cell reference (B2), Excel will apply the formula to all the cells beneath it. As you create more complex formulas, keep in mind the order in which Excel calculates the values. Below is the order in which Excel performs calculations:
Now that we've covered the essentials, let's move on to tackling common formula errors.
This error occurs when a cell reference is invalid, typically as a result of deleting or pasting cells. The formula you're trying to access is no longer valid, and Excel tells you with the #REF! Error message. Luckily, fixing this error is straightforward- just update the cell reference to match your new cell or range.
You've probably encountered this error even without using Excel- division by zero is impossible. In Excel, it manifests in the form of #DIV/0 and shows when a formula tries to divide a number by zero. I always try to avoid dividing by direct cell references, and instead, use a named range that gets updated automatically. But in case you can't avoid it, the easy fix is to add an IF statement that checks the cell you're dividing, and if it's zero, it returns a value of your choice, typically 0 or "N/A."
This error usually shows up when the formula references a cell or range that doesn't exist. You might have deleted cells, or Excel didn't recognize the reference. The fix for this error is typically to check for typos or ensuring the reference is correct.
This error arises typically when a formula refers to text when it expects a number, or when it has too many arguments. Excel tries to perform a calculation that doesn't make sense, and hence the #VALUE! Error message. To fix this error, check the inputs and make sure they are valid. Formatting a cell as text can also cause this error, so ensure that you set the formatting as number, and the data type is correct.
This error usually happens when you have invalid numerical values in a formula. For example, suppose a formula includes a function that doesn't work with negative numbers, and the function's input is negative, then Excel displays #NUM! Error. The easy fix for this error is to ensure that the inputs to a formula are valid. If you're using a formula to return a date or a time, always ensure the inputs are in the right format.
As frustrating as Excel errors can be, learning to fix them will boost your productivity and help you focus on more important things. By following these simple steps, you can avoid errors and unlock Excel's true power. Whether you're using the program for personal or professional use, it's always possible to improve your skills. So take the time, be patient with yourself, and get ready to take on more complex worksheets- the world of Excel formulas is waiting for you!
