Common Errors found in Excel

Errors in ms excel

Excel is a powerful tool for working with data, but it can also be frustrating when errors occur. While some errors are easy to fix, others can be more difficult to troubleshoot. In this article were are going to talk about  some common errors you might encounter in Microsoft Excel and how to address them.

Common Errors found in Excel functions & formulas.

1. Hash symbols (#####)

This occurs when the column is too narrow to display the results of the calculator.

It can be corrected by widening the column.

hash erreors
A image showing hash Errors in Excel

2.Divide by zero (Div/0!)

This error occurs when the formula attempts to divide a number by zero (0). Excel considers a blank cell to contain a value of zero.

E.g. The formula =A1/A2. But A2 doesn’t have any number, which the program treats it as having zero value. The error message #Div/0! means that it’s impossible to divide a number by zero.

div error
A image showing #DIV/0! Error in Excel

3.Reference Error (#REF!)

This error occurs when the formula refers to a cell that is not valid.

The #REF! error results after a row or a column that has a value referenced by a formula is deleted. E.g.  In the formula + A1+A2+A3 typed in cell A5. However row 2 was highlighted and deleted which made the error #REF! to shift to cell A4.

ref error
A image showing #REF! in Excel.

4.NAME ERROR (#NAME)

This occurs when the formula contains the function or cell reference Excel does not recognize.

You correct the spelling mistake to avoid the error.

name error
A image showing Name error in Excel

5.Value error (#VALUE)

This error occurs when the formula refers to a cell that Excel cannot use in calculations. You can save this by correcting the argument\ change the formula.

E.g. the formula =A1+A2+A3, Cell A3 has a text value January which cannot be used in calculation.

6.Number Error (#num!)

This means that the number specified is not valid for the function or the formula.

E.g. using a power function that can generate a number larger than Excel can huddle. E.g. The formula =A1^456 (A1= 5667908676). The number and computed result exponent are too big that when computed result into  a very large number that the Ms.Excel program cannot handle.

7. #NULL! ERROR

This error occurs when the specified two ranges have no intersection.

8. CIRCULAR REFERENCE

Is a warning message which when a formula refers to the cell containing the formula.

9.Not Applicable #N/A

This error occurs when there is no valid number available to compute the formula.

You enter a valid number if necessary to correct this type of error.

E.g. The formula =Mode (A1:E2). However there is no mode value which results to an error of #N\A. You can correct some numbers if necessary to get a mode value.

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