Excel puts error values in a cell to tell you that something is wrong.
In Project 3: Format and Arrange, the error values ###### and #REF! are discussed.
There are several other errors that you may run into from time to time.
Error Value | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
##### |
Column is too narrow to show the whole number |
Widen the column. |
#REF! |
Cell reference in formula is not valid because you deleted the cell or pasted something else over it. |
Rewrite the formula. |
#VALUE! |
A formula expects a number but the cell you name has only text in it. For example the formula =B3+B4 would give this error if B4 contains text. |
Rewrite your formula to refer to the
correct cells or use a function that will ignore text values, like
|
#N/A |
A value you used in a formula or as an argument for a function is "Not Available" now. You can enter this expression in a cell yourself to show that you haven't entered data yet. |
Do the calculation needed to get the values. |
#DIV/0! |
Your formula tried to divide with a cell which is blank, contains text, or has value of 0. |
Change the cell reference or enter a non-zero value in the cell to divide with. If the cell contains #N/A (for Not Available), then the formula will give #N/A as the answer, too. |
#NAME? |
You used a name for a range or a function that Excel does not understand. Perhaps you misspelled it or left out the colon in a range reference. |
Correct spelling. Include the colon in all ranges. Make sure the name or function exists. |
#NUM! |
There is a problem with a number in a formula or function. It may be too large or small for Excel to handle. It might be the wrong type for a function, like text instead of a number. |
Check for wrong type of arguments. Revise the formula or change your whole strategy if the answers will not fit in Excel. |
#NULL! |
You referred to the intersection of two data regions which do not really intersect. |
Correct your formula. Possibly use the union of two regions that do not intersect instead. |
Last updated: September 17, 2012