Solutions for Common Excel Errors

— Master Excel with Confidence

Stop staring at those confusing Excel errors. Our ultimate guide offers clear, step-by-step solutions to troubleshoot and fix the most common spreadsheet issues, helping you stay productive without interruptions.

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  • Feature limitations or settings – Disabled add-ins, outdated versions, or incorrect regional settings.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

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

Keyboard & Interaction Errors

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").

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