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How to Fix ProjDateAdd #ERROR in Microsoft Project Custom Fields
Question details
The user encounters a #ERROR result when using the ProjDateAdd function in a Microsoft Project custom field formula.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating or updating a custom field formula using the ProjDateAdd function with a specific calendar argument.
- Observed behavior
- The formula returns #ERROR instead of the calculated date, and recalculating the project by pressing F9 does not resolve the issue.
Ensure that the specific calendar you intend to use in your formula (such as '24 Hours') actually exists and is actively accessible within your current Microsoft Project file.
Load the Referenced Calendar via the Organizer
Ensure the required calendar is actively loaded from the Global template into your current project file before referencing it in a custom field formula.
Microsoft Project formulas utilizing the ProjDateAdd function rely on calendar data to calculate durations. If a specific calendar like '24 Hours' is referenced but not loaded into the active project, the formula will fail.
Navigate to the 'File' menu, select 'Info', and click on the 'Organizer' button.
In the Organizer dialog box, click on the 'Calendars' tab to view available calendars.
Select the required calendar (e.g., '24 Hours') from the Global.MPT list on the left and click 'Copy' to transfer it to your active project on the right.
Close the Organizer and press 'F9' to recalculate your project and resolve the custom field #ERROR.
Temporarily Use the Default Calendar Argument
Trigger the formula to initialize correctly by temporarily using the default Standard calendar before applying your custom calendar argument.
Adjust the Time Unit Format in the Formula
Change how the duration is expressed to avoid unexpected calculation errors triggered by specific time formats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does #ERROR mean in a Microsoft Project custom field?
The #ERROR value indicates that the formula used in the custom field cannot calculate a result. This typically happens due to invalid syntax, referencing an unloaded calendar, mismatched data types, or dividing by zero.
Why doesn't pressing F9 fix my ProjDateAdd formula error?
Pressing F9 triggers a manual recalculation of the project. However, if the calendar referenced in your ProjDateAdd formula is completely missing from the active project's Organizer, recalculating cannot resolve the missing dependency.
How do I check which calendars are available in my project?
You can check available calendars by navigating to File > Info > Organizer, and selecting the Calendars tab. This displays a list of all calendars actively loaded in your current project file alongside the global templates.
