Some Common Microsoft Excel Errors & Their Causes

Sahil Verma

Updated On - October 17, 2022

Like all other programs, Excel often encounters errors. However, the errors that Excel gets are caused by users while inserting data or trying to get Excel to perform a task that is impossible. If we notice that Excel has a problem, it is our responsibility to fix the error. We must not rely on the error handling functions to hide the error.

Excel errors also an indication of what’s not working correctly with the program or command assigned to the execution.

Errors can occur when we insert an Excel formula and do not include the input required in the appropriate forms. For instance, if we insert an option to add two cells, then Excel anticipates that the cells will contain numbers. If any of the cells contains text inside and it is a text-based cell, Excel will show an error. Each Excel function comes with its own set of terms and conditions. If one of the terms is not met and there is a problem, then it’s an Excel error. Each function comes with a syntax, which is to be followed. If there is a deviation in making use of the correct syntax, then there is the possibility of an Excel error.

List of Basic Errors in Excel

Understanding Excel errors is important, just as understanding the functions. The errors displayed reveal a variety of things. When one has a good understanding of the reasons of MS Excel files corruption, and data recovery methods one can quickly fix the mistakes.

1. Value Error ( #VALUE! )

This error may appear due to the formula’s diverse types of numbers. This error can be encountered when one or more of the cells within the spreadsheet have text rather than numbers to allow mathematical manipulation. Other reasons could be related to the OFFSET function within the cell.

Below is an image of such a model. There is a text value in Cell A3, while a number is displayed in Cell B3. Thus, you will see the error “#VALUE!” in the cell.



2. ##### Error

Is it difficult to comprehend? This Excel error code follows the dimensions of the cell within the spreadsheet. If the information to be stored in cells is beyond the width of the cell, Excel most likely shows this error. The cell will not display all characters; instead, the numeral sign will be the first to be displayed in the cell.

Since J1 has a number of 1234455, and the width of the cell is insufficient to display all the numbers, Excel will show the error.



3. #DIV/0 Error

This is the most typical type of Excel error. If the value within the cell is divided by zero or you have an empty value within the cell, you’re likely to be able to spot this issue appearing on the screen.

The formula bar below shows the function of DIV. It has no value in A14. Therefore, #DIV/0 appears.



4. Name Error ( #NAME? )

This error occurs when Excel cannot understand the text contained in the formula. As in the below example, instead of typing Average, we’ve written averag. That is why we see the #NAME? in the B14 cell.

You will get this error when you type ‘averag’ into the text box, but you must use the AVERAGE formula.



5. Reference Error ( #REF! )

If your formula contains wrong cell references, you will encounter an error in the Reference. This is usually the case when you delete an incorrect cell or row. In the following example, you’ll find that your data is filled in perfectly with no mistakes.

As you can see, row three contains data corresponding to February, and if this cell is deleted, a #REF error occurs.



6. #NUM Error

The NUM error indicates the problem is due to the number in the equation. A wrong argument in the function or the number being too big or small to fit into the formula is the cause of this error.

Here in this formula, 3^28474585, Excel displays the #NUM error as a result is an infinity.



7. Null Error ( #NULL! )

This is among the most frequent types of Excel errors. If you don’t divide the two references to cells correctly, you’ll be notified of this error. In the example below, there is no command between the cells, and therefore, you will see the #NULL! Error in B13.

The null error occurs whenever we forget to include a comma between two arguments or cell ranges. In the example below, the Null error comes up in B13.



8. #N/A Error

This Excel error is related to No value available. If you apply the formula to any cell with no value in the cell, the error will appear. While technically speaking, this error is not the formula error. But it’s a manual error inside the cell to indicate that there isn’t any particular value that needs to be put within the cell.

If you apply the VLOOKUP function in range and the cell that you are applying this function too has no value. The #N/A error appears as shown in cell B2 below.

Excel Basic Errors: A Universal Repairing Method

1. Open the cell with an error function.
2. Click the warning symbol that appears on the left-hand side of the cell.
3. Determine the cause of the error.
4. Try to find help from the data in that.
5. Once you have determined the error, fix the error at the source.

Excel File Corruption

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Final Say

This article is a comprehensive guide for all looking to get detailed information on basic errors in Microsoft Excel. We have also added a universal fix for your assistance. Hope, you will get out of any errors encountered in Excel. We recommend keeping the Recoveryfix for Excel tool on your PC as a precaution against Excel corruption issues.