Many users seem to have problems with the same Excel errors again and again.
Therefore, this page aims to discuss some of the most commonly encountered Excel errors, and to show you how to go about identifying the underlying problems, and fixing the errors.
If Excel is able to detect a problem with a formula, an Excel error (e.g. #NULL!, #DIV/0!), will be generated. The type of error produced provides you with information about the cause of the problem, which can be used to identify a solution.
Click on the link below, to learn more about each of the Excel formula error messages, and to find out how to go about fixing the associated errors.
| Excel Formula Error Types | Descriptions and examples of the different Excel formula error messages. |
If you don't encounter a specific Excel error message, you might be suffering from one of the frequently encountered Excel problems listed below.
Click on the associated link for information on what might have caused the problem, and how to resolve it.
| Cell Contents Show ##### | After inputting a formula, your Excel cell displays a string of # symbols. |
| Cell Contents Show a Date or Time | The result of your formula appears to be shown as a date or a time, when you were expecting an integer or other value. |
| Failure to Look Up Values | You can't figure out why your Lookup function is failing to find the requested lookup value - you can see that the value is in the lookup range, but Excel doesn't seem to be able to 'see' it. |
| Function Won't Copy Down to Other Rows |
Your function works in the first cell but produces the #REF! error, when you attempt to copy it
down to other rows.
|
| Excel Won't Calculate My Function | You enter a function into a cell but when you press return the function fails to calculate - instead, the cell displays either the function itself, or a previous function value. |
If your Excel problem doesn't fit into one of the above categories, it is a good idea to request help on one of the popular Excel forums. For example, the forum on the mrexcel.com website has several knowledgeable and helpful Excel contributors, who are generally very keen to answer Excel queries.