IFERROR
The IFERROR function is used to handle errors in Excel formulas by replacing them with a specified value or expression. It helps prevent error messages from appearing in your calculations and provides a way to display custom outputs when errors occur.
Syntax 🔗
=IFERROR(value, value_if_error)
value | The value or formula that you want to evaluate for potential errors. |
value_if_error | The value to return if the value argument produces an error. |
About IFERROR 🔗
When navigating the intricate landscape of Excel formulas, encountering errors is inevitable. Here steps in the IFERROR function as a steadfast ally, offering a shield against the pesky error messages that may disrupt your calculations. By harnessing its power, you can gracefully manage errors and present tailored responses when formulas hit stumbling blocks. With IFERROR, Excel transforms into a resilient environment where errors are not obstacles but opportunities for customization and control. You define the outcome when errors strike, shaping the narrative of your spreadsheet adventures with finesse and precision.
Examples 🔗
Suppose you have a formula that divides a number by another cell reference, but the referenced cell is empty. To prevent the #DIV/0! error, you can use the IFERROR function like this:
=IFERROR(A1/B1, "Division by zero error")
If A1 is 10 and B1 is empty, this formula will return 'Division by zero error' instead of displaying an error message.
Notes 🔗
The IFERROR function is a handy tool for managing errors in Excel. It helps improve the presentation of your spreadsheet by allowing you to display custom messages or values when errors occur. Utilize IFERROR to enhance the user experience of your Excel workbooks and ensure smoother calculations.
Questions 🔗
No, there is not. However, you could copy the formula in the answer below to accomplish the same thing.
Can I change the value if it isn't an error?Yes, although there is no function in Excel to do this, you can create your own formula. You could use something like:
=IF(ISERROR(A1), "Error detected", "No error here")
This formula checks cell A1 for errors. If there is an error, the value will be "Error detected". If there is no error, the value will be "No error here". We have also made an IFNOTERROR exercise, where you can try this for yourself.
What happens if thevalue argument in the IFERROR function does not produce an error?If the value argument in the IFERROR function does not result in an error, the function simply returns the result of the evaluated expression. The value_if_error argument is only triggered when an error occurs.
Yes, you can nest IFERROR functions within other Excel functions to handle errors at different levels of your formulas. This nesting allows you to create complex error-handling mechanisms and ensure smooth data processing even in the presence of potential errors.
Is the IFERROR function limited to specific types of errors?No, the IFERROR function can capture and handle various types of errors that may arise in Excel formulas, including division by zero errors, value errors, and more. It provides a versatile error-handling solution for a wide range of scenarios.
What error values are checked by IFERROR?#DIV/0, #N/A, #REF, #VALUE, #NUM, #NAME and #NULL.