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How to Fix the N/A Error in Thinkorswim RTD Formulas in Excel 365
Question details
The user is attempting to resolve an #N/A error when using the RTD function to pull market data from Thinkorswim into Excel 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel 365, Thinkorswim
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting live or historical stock data points (such as 1-year percentage change) from the Thinkorswim trading platform to an Excel spreadsheet using an RTD formula.
- Observed behavior
- The formula =RTD("tos.rtd",,"pct_1_Yr_Chg","KIM") returns an #N/A error in Excel 365 instead of the expected market data.
Ensure that the Thinkorswim desktop application is currently open, logged in, and running in the background, as RTD (Real-Time Data) formulas require an active connection to the trading platform to function.
Verify RTD Settings and Contact Thinkorswim Support
Because the RTD provider is supplied directly by Thinkorswim, resolving connectivity and #N/A errors typically requires verifying your Excel settings and confirming version compatibility with the trading platform's support team.
The Real-Time Data (RTD) function relies on a COM server installed by the Thinkorswim platform. If Excel 365 blocks this server or if the server is incompatible with recent Excel updates, the formula will fail to retrieve data and return an #N/A error.
Close Microsoft Excel completely. Right-click your Thinkorswim desktop shortcut, select 'Run as administrator', and log into your account. Once fully loaded, re-open your Excel spreadsheet to see if the connection is restored.
In Excel, navigate to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings. Look for settings related to Add-ins and ensure that 'Disable all Application Add-ins' is unchecked, as this can block the RTD server.
If the #N/A error persists, the RTD server may have compatibility issues with your specific build of Excel 365. Reach out to Thinkorswim support to report the issue, request troubleshooting for the RTD service, and confirm compatibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the #N/A error mean in an RTD formula?
The #N/A error indicates that Excel cannot communicate with the Real-Time Data (RTD) server. This usually happens if the source application is not running, the RTD server is blocked by security settings, or the requested data point is invalid.
Does the Thinkorswim application need to be open for RTD formulas to work?
Yes. The Thinkorswim desktop application must be actively running and logged into your account on the same computer. Excel relies on the software to push live market data updates through the RTD server.
Why did my RTD formulas stop working after upgrading to Excel 365?
Updates to Excel 365 frequently introduce stricter security protocols or changes to how COM add-ins are handled. These changes can sometimes temporarily block third-party RTD servers like Thinkorswim's until the provider releases a compatibility patch.
