Why Do Excel Errors Occur?
Even experienced users encounter Excel errors. These mistakes can stem from a variety of causes, including:
Incorrect formulas or syntax – Typos, misplaced parentheses, or wrong function names.
Invalid cell references – Linking to deleted, moved, or hidden cells.
Data type mismatches – Using text where numbers are expected, or vice versa.
Missing or incomplete data – Blank cells that disrupt calculations.
Feature limitations or settings – Disabled add-ins, outdated versions, or incorrect regional settings.
Common Types of Excel Errors and Troubleshooting
Formula Errors & Standard Codes
Fix Excel #VALUE! Error
Discover three effective methods to troubleshoot and resolve the #VALUE! error, which typically occurs when a formula includes the wrong type of argument or operand.
Fix Excel #REF! Error
Learn how to fix the #REF! error that appears when a formula refers to a cell that isn't valid. Our guide helps you trace and correct invalid cell references.
Fix Excel #DIV/0! Error
Understand and prevent the #DIV/0! error, which occurs when a number is divided by zero. We'll show you how to use functions like IFERROR to handle it gracefully.
Fix Excel #NAME? Error
Tackle the #NAME? error, which arises from a typo in a function name or an undefined named range. Our guide shows you how to find and fix it.
Fix Excel #NUM! Error
Resolve the #NUM! error in Excel, which indicates a problem with a number in a formula, such as an invalid argument or impossible calculation.
Fix Excel #SPILL! Error
Learn how to handle the #SPILL! error in dynamic array formulas. This guide explains what causes it and how to clear the spill range for your formula to work.
Remove Circular References in Excel
A circular reference can cause incorrect calculations. Follow our guide to find, understand, and remove circular references in your workbook.
Fix Excel Formulas Not Calculating
If your Excel formulas aren't updating or calculating, this guide will walk you through potential causes like manual calculation mode and cell formatting.
Excel Showing Formula Instead of Result
Is a cell showing the formula text instead of the calculated result? Learn how to toggle the 'Show Formulas' mode and check cell formatting to fix this issue.
Excel Found A Problem with Formula References
Fix the “Excel found a problem with ...” error quickly with our guide—restore accuracy, eliminate broken links, and keep your spreadsheets running smoothly.
Fix Excel Formulas Not Working
Fix Excel formulas not working using our simple guide. Learn to identify errors, correct references, and keep your calculations accurate and efficient.
Function-Specific Issues
Fix VLOOKUP Not Working
Troubleshoot common VLOOKUP problems, from incorrect range references to data type mismatches. Our guide will help you get accurate results every time.
Fix SUM Not Working
Is your SUM function returning zero or an incorrect value? Learn to identify issues like text-formatted numbers and circular references that break your calculations.
Fix COUNTIF Not Working
Resolve issues with the COUNTIF function not providing the correct count. Our guide covers criteria syntax, data types, and other common pitfalls.
Fix CONCATENATE Not Working
Effectively join text strings by fixing common issues with the CONCATENATE function. We also introduce modern alternatives like TEXTJOIN and the ampersand (&).
Fix TRIM Function Not Working
Learn why the TRIM function might not be removing extra spaces, especially with non-breaking spaces, and how to use CLEAN and SUBSTITUTE to solve it.
Feature & Functionality Errors
Fix Flash Fill Not Working
If Flash Fill isn't automatically detecting your patterns, check if the feature is enabled and learn how to use it effectively with our tips.
Fix Sort Not Working
Diagnose and fix problems with Excel's sort feature, from merged cells interfering with the sort to data being treated as text instead of numbers.
Fix Autofill Not Working
Is the fill handle missing or not working? This guide helps you enable the feature and troubleshoot issues preventing you from using Autofill.
Fix Copy and Paste Not Working
Can't copy and paste in Excel? We cover solutions from restarting the application to clearing your clipboard and disabling conflicting add-ins.
Fix Data Filter Not Working in Excel
If your data filters aren't applying correctly, learn how to troubleshoot issues caused by blank rows, merged cells, or grouped worksheets.
Fix Spell Check Not Working
Get your spell checker working again with our guide. We'll show you how to enable it, check language settings, and reset its dictionary.
Fix Hyperlinks Not Working
Resolve issues with hyperlinks not opening in Excel. Our guide covers broken links, incorrect base addresses, and security warnings.
Fix Macros Not Working
Troubleshoot why your macros aren't running. This guide covers macro security settings, enabling content, and debugging your VBA code.
Fix Add-ins Not Showing
If your Excel add-ins have disappeared or won't load, follow our steps to check the Add-ins manager, trust center settings, and re-install them.
Excel Autofit Row Height Not Working
When autofit row and height fails in Excel, your data layout can look messy. Learn the common causes and simple ways to restore proper row sizing.
Page Breaks Not Working in Excel
Page breaks not working in Excel can throw off your print layout. Discover the reasons behind it and how to fix the issue quickly.
Fix Breaking Links Not Working in Excel
Resolve Excel issues when breaking links fail with this guide—easily reconnect sources, maintain data integrity, and keep your workflow uninterrupted.
Interface & Display Issues
Freeze Panes Not Working
Learn why Freeze Panes might be greyed out or not working correctly. Our guide helps you exit Page Layout view and properly select cells to freeze.
Formula Bar Disappeared
Has your formula bar vanished? Easily restore it by checking a single box in the View tab of the ribbon. Get your essential editing tool back in seconds.
Missing Scroll Bars
If your horizontal or vertical scroll bars are missing, follow our 5 easy steps to bring them back through Excel's advanced options.
Scrolling Not Working
When your mouse wheel scrolls the entire sheet instead of moving between cells, it's often due to frozen panes. Learn how to unfreeze them and fix scrolling.
Unhide Rows Not Working
Can't unhide rows in Excel? This issue can be caused by a filter or rows having a height of zero. Our guide shows you how to resolve both problems.
Cell Contents Not Visible
If you can see content in the formula bar but not in the cell, it's likely a formatting issue. Learn how to fix custom formatting that hides cell values.
Rows to Repeat at Top Grayed Out
If the 'Rows to Repeat at Top' option is grayed out in Excel, it can disrupt your workflow. Here explains why it happens and offers fixes for repeating header rows.
Fix Scroll Bar In Excel Too Long
If your Excel scroll bar is too long, it can make navigation frustrating. This guide explains the cause and shows how to fix it quickly.
Keyboard & Interaction Errors
Arrow Keys Not Moving
When arrow keys scroll the worksheet instead of moving the active cell, Scroll Lock is the culprit. Learn how to turn it off on any keyboard.
Ctrl+F Not Working
If the 'Find' feature (Ctrl+F) isn't working, this guide helps you check search settings, protected sheets, and other issues that can block it.
Right-Click Not Working
When the right-click context menu fails to appear, it's often due to problematic add-ins or macros. Learn how to identify and disable the cause.
F4 Shortcut Not Working
The F4 key is a huge time-saver. If it's not working to toggle cell references or repeat actions, check for conflicting programs or keyboard function lock.
F2 Shortcut Not Working
Can't edit cells with the F2 key? Learn how to re-enable direct cell editing in Excel's options and check for keyboard function lock issues.
Escape Key Not Working
If the Esc key no longer cancels actions or closes dialog boxes in Excel, conflicting add-ins are often to blame. We'll help you troubleshoot the issue.
System & Activation
Why This Guide is Your Best Resource for Fixing Excel Errors
Our guide provides everything you need to understand and resolve Excel errors efficiently, all in one place.
-
Clear Explanations: We break down complex error codes into simple, easy-to-understand language.
-
Step-by-Step Solutions: Follow our detailed instructions to fix any error you encounter, from basic to advanced.
-
Practical Examples: See real-world examples of what causes each error and how to apply the solution correctly.
-
Preventive Tips: Learn how to write better formulas and structure your data to avoid errors in the future.
Excel Error FAQs: Your Questions Answered
What does the ###### error in Excel mean?
The ###### error appears when a column is too narrow to display the entire number in a cell. To fix it, simply widen the column by double-clicking the right border of the column header.
How can I quickly find all cells with errors in my worksheet?
You can use the 'Go To Special' feature. Press F5 or Ctrl+G, click 'Special,' select 'Formulas,' and then check only the 'Errors' box. Excel will highlight all cells containing errors.
Why do I keep seeing “errors were detected while saving Excel”?
This error often appears when the file is corrupted, contains incompatible content, or is being saved to a restricted or unstable location. Try saving to a different path or repairing the file.
What causes Excel to show formulas instead of results?
This happens if the cell is formatted as text or the formula is entered with an apostrophe or missing = sign. Reformat the cell as “General” and retype the formula correctly.
What's the best way to handle potential errors in formulas?
The IFERROR function is an excellent way to manage potential errors. It allows you to specify a value or message to display instead of an error code. For example, IFERROR(A1/B1, "Cannot divide by zero").
Stop Errors in Excel and Boost Your Spreadsheet Productivity
Ready to work without interruptions? Download WPS Office, a powerful and compatible alternative that helps you manage spreadsheets with ease. Handle complex data and avoid common errors with its intuitive interface.
Free DownloadOther Helpful Collections for You
Basic Excel Skills
Learn basic Excel skills for beginners, including formatting, page layout, formulas and more. Follow our step-by-step tutorials to build a solid foundation and work confidently with spreadsheets.
Learn More →Excel Shortcut Keys
Discover essential Excel shortcut keys to speed up data entry, navigation, and formatting. Learn practical keyboard combinations that save time and boost efficiency in your spreadsheets.
Excel Data Analysis
Wondering how to perform data analysis in Excel? From sorting and filtering to using PivotTables and generating comprehensive reports, our guide covers all you need to analyze data efficiently.