Get started with formulas

In just a few steps, you'll be up and running with building formulas and functions in Excel, the
world's most powerful spreadsheet app.

Let's go >
Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To start the tour, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
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More information on the web
All about the3SUM function
Use AutoSum to sum numbers
All about the COUNT function
Free Excel training online
Back to top Dive down for more detail
Next step

More about functions

Go to the Formulas tab and browse through the Function Library, where functions are
listed by category, like Text, Date & Time, etc. Insert Function will let you search for
functions by name, and launch a function wizard that can help you build your formula.

When you start typing a function name after you press =, Excel will launch Intellisense,
which will list all of the functions starting with the letters you type. When you find the
one you want, press Tab, and Excel will automatically finish the function name and enter
the opening parenthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required arguments.

Now let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like
this:
 If the SUM function could talk, it would say, "Return the sum of all the values in cells
D38 to D41, and all of column H".

Now, let's try one that doesn't require any arguments.

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Back to top

Free Excel training online

Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To proceed to the next step, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
 Introduction to functions
oduction to functions
ctions give you the ability to do a variety of things, like perform mathematical operations, look up values, or even
w let's try AutoSum. Select the cell under the column for Meat (cell G7), then go to Formulas > AutoSum > select SUM. You'll see Excel auto
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1 Under the Amount column for Fruit (cell D7), enter =SUM(D3:D6), or type
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AutoSum feature has all of the most common functions.
re information on the web
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Dive down for more detail Next step

More about functions

Go to the Formulas tab and browse through the Function Library, where functions are
listed by category, like Text, Date & Time, etc. Insert Function will let you search for
functions by name, and launch a function wizard that can help you build your formula.

When you start typing a function name after you press =, Excel will launch Intellisense,
which will list all of the functions starting with the letters you type. When you find the
one you want, press Tab, and Excel will automatically finish the function name and enter
the opening parenthesis for you. It will also display the optional and required arguments.

Now let's look at the anatomy of a few functions. The SUM function is structured like
this:

The function The first Additional

name. argument. It's arguments,
almost always separated by
required. commas (,).
 The function The first Additional
name. argument. It's arguments,
almost always separated by
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=SUM(D38:D41,H:H)
If the SUM function could talk, it would say, "Return the sum of all the values in cells
D38 to D41, and all of column H".

Now, let's try one that doesn't require any arguments.

The TODAY function returns today's date. It will

automatically update when Excel recalculates.

=TODAY()

More information on the web

All about the SUM function

Use AutoSum to sum numbers

All about the COUNT function

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Back to top Next step

e Excel training online

back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To proceed to the next step, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
Fruit Amount Meat Amount
Apples 50 Beef 50
Oranges 20 Chicken 30
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50
SUM > 170 SUM >

Item Amount Item Amount

Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
SUM > COUNT >

EXTRA CREDIT
Try the COUNT function using any of
the methods you've already tried.
The COUNT function counts the
number of cells in a range that
contain numbers.

Fruit Amount
Apples 50 CHECK THIS OUT
Select these cells. Then in the lower-right
Oranges 20 corner of the Excel window, look for this:
Bananas 60
Lemons 40
That's called the Status Bar, and it's just
SUM > 170 another way to quickly find a total and other
details about a selected cell or range.
Item Amount
Cars 20
Trucks 10
Bikes 10
Skates 40

Total: Additional Value New Total

180 100 180

IMPORTANT DETAIL
Double-click this cell. You'll notice the 100 toward the
end. Although it's possible to put numbers in a formula
like this, we don't recommend it unless it's absolutely
necessary. This is known as a constant, and it's easy to
forget that it's there. We recommend referring to another
cell instead, like cell F51. That way it's easily seen and not
hidden inside a formula.
EXTRA CREDIT
Try using
CHECK THIS
MEDIAN or
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Links for more information on the web

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Select to learn all about the MEDIAN function on the web
Select to learn all about the MODE function on the web
Select to learn about free Excel training on the web
Previous
Previous

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 AVERAGE function
the AVERAGE function to get the average of numbers in a range of cells.
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Previous
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All about the AVERAGE function

All about the MEDIAN function

All about the MODE function

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Fruit Amount Meat Amount
Apples 50 Beef 50 CHECK THIS OUT
Select any range of numbers,
Oranges 20 Chicken 30 then look in the Status Bar for an
Bananas 60 Pork 10 instant Average.
Lemons 40 Fish 50
AVERAGE > AVERAGE >

Item Amount Item Amount

Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
AVERAGE >

EXTRA CREDIT
Try using MEDIAN or MODE here.
MEDIAN gives you the value in the
middle of the data set, while
MODE gives the one that occurs
the most frequently.

More about the SUM function

In some of the above tips, we taught you how to use the SUM function. Here are more details about it.
Cells C37 through D41 contain data with two columns: Fruit and Amount.
The formula in cell D42: =SUM(D38:D41).
If the SUM function in cell D42 could talk, it would say this: Sum up the values in cells D38, D39, D40, and D41.
Here's another way it can be used:
Cells C47 through D48 contain data with two columns: Item and Amount.

More information on the web

All about the SUM function
All about the SUMIF function
Use Excel as your calculator
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Go back to top by pressing CTRL+HOME. To proceed to the next step, press CTRL+PAGE DOWN.
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More information on the web

You can use either MIN or MAX with multiple ranges, or values to show the greater or lesser of those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), o

More information on the web

All about the MIN function
All about the MAX function
Use Excel as your calculator
Free Excel training online
 MIN and MAX functions
and MAX functions
the MIN function to get the minumum number in a range of cells.
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obut the MIN function

bout the 2
Now select cell G7, and enter a MAX function by typing =MAX(D3:D6).
MAX function
Excel training online

3 In cell D15, you can use either the AutoSum Wizard, or type to enter a MIN
or MAX function.

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can use either MIN or MAX with multiple ranges, or values to show the greater or lesser of those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or =MAX(A1:A10,1

e information on the web

All about the MIN function
bout the MIN function
bout the MAX function
All about the MAX function
Excel as your calculator
Excel training online
Free Excel training online
 Fruit Amount Meat Amount
Apples 50 Beef 50
Oranges 20 Chicken 30
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50
MIN > MAX >

Item Amount Item Amount

Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
MIN or MAX > 10

GOOD TO KNOW
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N(A1:A10,B1:B10), or =MAX(A1:A10,10).
ranges, or values to show the greater or lesser of
those values, like =MIN(A1:A10,B1:B10), or
=MAX(A1:A10,B1), where B1 contains a threshold
value, like 10, in which case the formula would
never return a result less than 10.
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Previous 3
Next
More information on the web
All about the TODAY function
All about the NOW function
All about the DATE function
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Time functions
Excel can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You
can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how
many hours an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and overtime.

3
 Previous

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 Date functions
el can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract Dates.
ck out the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or volatile functions, so when you open your workbook tomorrow
Excel can give you the current date, based on your computer's regional settings. You
tract Dates - Enter your next birthday in MM/DD/YY format in cell D7, and watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by using =D7-D6
can also add and subtract Dates.
Dates - Let's say you want to know what date a bill is due, or when you need to return a library book. You can add days to a date to find o

1 and times based on the number of days starting from January 1, 1900. Times are kept in fractional portions of a day based o
OD TO KNOW Check out the TODAY function, which gives you Today's date. These are live, or
el keeps dates
volatile functions, so when you open your workbook tomorrow, it will have
tomorrow's date. Enter =TODAY() in cell D6.
el can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might
2 Subtract Dates - Enter your next birthday in MM/DD/YY format in cell D7, and
watch Excel tell you how many days away it is by using =D7-D6 in cell D8.
is formula could talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it from the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out/In Times, then multip
3 Add Dates - Let's say you want to know what date a bill is due, or when you
need to return a library book. You can add days to a date to find out. In cell
D10,
re information on theenter
web a random number of days. In cell D11, we added =D6+D10 to
about the TODAY calculate
functionthe due date from today.
about the NOW function
about the DATE function
e Excel training online
Time functions
Excel can give you the current time, based on your computer's regional settings. You
can also add and subtract times. For instance, you might need to keep track of how
many hours an employee worked each week, and calculate their pay and overtime.

1 In cell D28, enter =NOW(), which will give the current time, and will update
each time Excel calculates. If you need to change the Time format, you can
go to Ctrl+1 > Number > Time > Select the format you want.

2 Add up hours between times - In cell D36 we've entered =((D35-D32)-

(D34-D33))*24, which calculates someone's start and end times, then
subracts the time they took for lunch. The *24 at the end of the formula
converts the fractional portion of the day that Excel sees into hours. You'll
need to format the cell as a Number though. To do that, go to Home >
Format > Cells (Ctrl+1) > Number > Number > 2 decimals.

3 If this formula could talk, it would say, "Take the Time Out and subtract it
from the Time In, then subtract the Lunch Out/In Times, then multiply
those by 24 to convert Excel's fractional time to hours", or =((Time In -
Time Out)-(Lunch In - Lunch Out))*24.
*24 to convert Excel's
fraction of a day to
hours
 *24 to convert Excel's
fraction of a day to
Time Out Lunch Out hours

=((D35-D32)-(D34-D33))*24

Time In Lunch In

GOOD TO KNOW
You can use keyboard s
Times that won't contin
The inner parentheses () make sure Excel calculates those D
parts of the formula by themselves. The outer Tim
parentheses make sure Excel multiplies the final inner result by
24.

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All about the TODAY function

All about the NOW function

All about the DATE function

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you open your workbook tomorrow, it will have tomorrow's date. Enter =TODAY() in cell D6.
ny days away it is by using =D7-D6 in cell D8.

Date functions
Today's date:
Your birthday:
Days
ract times. For until your
instance, youbirthday: 0 many hoursIMPORTANT
might need to keep track of how
DETAIL
Ifan employee
you worked
don't want Excel each week,a and
to display calculate
negative their pay and ov
number,
because you haven't entered your birthday yet, you
Grace period days: can use an IF function like this: =IF(D7="","",D7-D6),
Bill due on: 12/30/99 which says, "IF D7 equals nothing, then show nothing,
otherwise show D7 minus D6".
he Lunch Out/In Times, then multiply those by 24 to convert Excel's fractional time to hours", or =((Time In - Time Out)-(Lunch In - Lunch O

GOOD TO KNOW
Excel keeps dates and times based on the number of days
starting from January 1, 1900. Times are kept in fractional
portions of a day based on minutes. So 01/01/2017 12:30
PM is actually stored as 42736.5208. If the Time or Date
show up as numbers like that, then you can press Ctrl+1 >
Number > select a Date or Time format.

Time functions
Current Time:

Daily Hours Worked

Time In: 8:00 AM
Lunch Out: 12:00 PM
Lunch In: 1:00 PM
Time Out: 5:00 PM
Total Hours: 8
 Static Date & Time
Date: 09/27/17
Time: 8:52 AM

GOOD TO KNOW
You can use keyboard shortcuts to enter Dates and
Times that won't continuously change:

Date - Ctrl+;
Time - Ctrl+Shift+:
calculate
ative their pay and overtime.
number,
day yet, you
"","",D7-D6),
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e Out)-(Lunch In - Lunch Out))*24.
Joining
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in Excel
In cell E3, enter =D3&C3 to join the last and first names.
SmithNancy doesn't look quite right though. We need to add a comma and a space. To do that we'll use quotes to create a ne
There are many times in Excel when you want to join text that's in different cells. This
To create the full name, we'll join first and last name, but use a space without a comma. In F3, enter =C3&" "&D3.
example is very common, where you have first and last names, and want to combine
Dive downthem as first
for more name, last name, or full name. Fortunately, Excel lets us do that with the
detail
Next Ampersand (&) sign, which you can enter with Shift+7.
Using text and numbers together
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In cellatC36, 1C28:D29.
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how the date and times are inMM/DD/YYYY
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If you don't know what format code to use, you can use Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you want. Then select the
More information on the web
All about the TEXT function
Combine text and numbers
3 online
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Dive down for more detail

Using text and numbers together

Now we'll use the & to join text and numbers, not just text and text

Look at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in separate cells? You can join
them together with the & symbol like you'll see in cells C32:C33, but that doesn't look
right, does it? Unfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the
numbers, so it breaks them down to their basest format, which is the the Serial date in
this case. We need to explicity tell Excel how to format the number portion of the
formula, so it displays the way you want in the resulting text string. You can do that
with the TEXT function and a format code.

2
 Previous

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 ingare
re Joining text from different cells
text fromtimes
many different cellswhen you want to join text that's in different cells. This example is very common, where you have first and last
in Excel
ell E3, enter =D3&C3 to join the last and first names.
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There are many times in Excel when you want to join text that's in different cells. This
reate the full name, we'll join first and last name, but use a space without a comma. In F3, enter =C3&" "&D3.
example is very common, where you have first and last names, and want to combine
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Dive down for more detail Next

Using text and numbers together

Now we'll use the & to join text and numbers, not just text and text

Look at cells C28:D29. See how the date and times are in separate cells? You can join
them together with the & symbol like you'll see in cells C32:C33, but that doesn't look
right, does it? Unfortunately, Excel doesn't know how you want to format the
numbers, so it breaks them down to their basest format, which is the the Serial date in
this case. We need to explicity tell Excel how to format the number portion of the
formula, so it displays the way you want in the resulting text string. You can do that
with the TEXT function and a format code.

1 In cell C36, enter =C28&" "&TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY"). MM/DD/YYYY

is the US format code for Month/Day/Year, like 09/25/2017.

2 In cell C37, enter =C29&" "&TEXT(D29,"HH:MM AM/PM"). HH:MM

AM/PM is the US format code for Hours:Minutes AM or PM, like 1:30 PM.
WORTH EXPLOR
If you don't know wha
Ctrl+1 > Number to fo
Then select the Custom
code that's displayed b
 WORTH EXPLOR
If you don't know wha
Ctrl+1 > Number to fo
Then select the Custom
Previous Next code that's displayed b

More information on the web

All about the TEXT function

Combine text and numbers

Free Excel training online

 First Name Last Name Last Name, First Name Full Name
Nancy Smith Smith, Nancy Nancy Smith
Andy North
Jan Kotas
Mariya Jones
Steven Thorpe
Michael Neipper
Robert Zare
Yvonne McKay

ant. Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format code that's displayed back to your formula.

Using text & numbers

Today's date: 05/05/24
Current time: 5:11 AM

Joining text & numbers

Today's date: 45417
Current time: 45417.2165698668

Formatting text & numbers CHECK THIS OUT

Formulas, especially big ones, can
Today's date: 05/05/2024 sometimes be hard to read, but you can
Current time: 05:11 AM break up their parts with spaces like this:

=C28 & " " & TEXT(D28,"MM/DD/YYYY")

WORTH EXPLORING
If you don't know what format code to use, you can use
Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you want.
Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format
code that's displayed back to your formula.
WORTH EXPLORING
If you don't know what format code to use, you can use
Ctrl+1 > Number to format any cell the way you want.
Then select the Custom option. You can copy the format
code that's displayed back to your formula.
formula
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3
Previous
Next
More information on the web
All about the IF function
All about the IFS function
Dive down for more detail
Advanced IF statements
Free Excel training online

IF statement with another function

IF statements can also force additional calculations to be performed if a certain
condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if Sales Tax should be
charged, and calculate it if the condition is true.

3
 Previous

More information on the web

 IF statements
atements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF statement generally says that if one condition is true do some

IF statements allow you to make logical comparisons between conditions. An IF

E andstatement generally
FALSE are unlike othersays that
words in ifExcel
oneformulas
condition
in is true
that dodon't
they something,
need to otherwise doand Excel will automatically capitalize them.
be in quotes,
something else. The formulas can return text, values, or even more calculations.
C3="Apple","Yes","No")
e down for more detail

atement1with
atements
In cell D9
can another
enter =IF(C9="Apple",TRUE,FALSE). The correct answer is TRUE.
function
also force additional calculations to be performed if a certain condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if S

2 Copy D9 to D10. The answer here should be FALSE, because an orange is

not an apple.
OD TO KNOW
en you create a formula, Excel will automatically place colored borders around any ranges referenced in the formula, and the correspondin
3 Try another example by looking at the formula in cell D12. We got you
started with =IF(C12<100,"Less than 100","Greater than or equal to
100"). What happens if you enter a number greater than or equal to
re information on100the
in web
cell C12?
about the IF function
about the IFS function
Dive down for more detail
anced IF statements Next
e Excel training online

IF statement with another function

IF statements can also force additional calculations to be performed if a certain
condition is met. Here we're going to evaluate a cell to see if Sales Tax should be
charged, and calculate it if the condition is true.

1 In cell F33, we've entered =IF(E33="Yes",F31*SalesTax,0), where we set up

SalesTax as a Named Range with a value of 0.0825. Our formula says If cell
E33 equals Yes, then multiply cell F31 times SalesTax, otherwise return a 0.

Try changing Yes to No in cell E33 to see the calculation change.

2 Next we've added an IF statement to calculate shipping if it's required. In

cell F35 you'll see =IF(E35="Yes",SUM(D28:D29)*1.25,0). This says "If cell
E35 is Yes, then take the sum of the Quantity column in the table above,
and multiply it by 1.25, otherwise return a 0".

3 Next, change the 1.25 in the formula in cell F35 to "Shipping". As you start
typing, Excel's auto-correct, should find it for you. When it does, press Tab
to enter it. This is a Named Range, and we entered it from Formulas >
Define Name. Now, if you ever need to change your shipping cost, you
only have to do it in one place, and you can use the Shipping name
 Next, change the 1.25 in the formula in cell F35 to "Shipping". As you start
typing, Excel's auto-correct, should find it for you. When it does, press Tab
to enter it. This is a Named Range, and we entered it from Formulas >
Define Name. Now, if you ever need to change your shipping cost, you
only have to do it in one place, and you can use the Shipping name
anywhere in the workbook.

Previous Next

More information on the web

All about the IF function

All about the IFS function

Advanced IF statements

Free Excel training online

hat if one condition is true do something, otherwise do something else. The formulas can return text, values, or even more calculations.

will automatically capitalize them. Numbers don't need to be in quotes either. Regular text, like Yes or No does need to be in quotes like t

IF statements
Apple
Orange

50 Less than 100

n the formula, and the corresponding ranges in the formula will be the same color. You can see this if you select cell F33 and press F2 to ed
IMPORTANT DETAIL
TRUE and FALSE are unlike other words in Excel formulas
in that they don't need to be in quotes, and Excel will
automatically capitalize them. Numbers don't need to be
in quotes either. Regular text, like Yes or No does need to
be in quotes like this:
=IF(C3="Apple","Yes","No")

Item Quantity Cost Total

Widget 2 $9.76 $19.52
Doohickey 3 $3.42 $10.26

Sub-Total $13.18 $29.78

Sales Tax? Yes $2.46 GOOD TO KNOW

When you create a formula, Excel will autom
Shipping? Yes $6.25 place colored borders around any ranges re
in the formula, and the corresponding rang
formula will be the same color. You can see
Total $38.48 you select cell F33 and press F2 to edit the

EXPERT TIP
Named Ranges allow you to define terms or values in a
single place, and then reuse them throughout a workbook.
You can see all of the named ranges in this workbook by
going to Formulas > Name Manager. Click here to learn
more.
EXPERT TIP
Named Ranges allow you to define terms or values in a
single place, and then reuse them throughout a workbook.
You can see all of the named ranges in this workbook by
going to Formulas > Name Manager. Click here to learn
more.
, or even more calculations.

oes need to be in quotes like this:

ect cell F33 and press F2 to edit the formula.

KNOW
eate a formula, Excel will automatically
d borders around any ranges referenced
a, and the corresponding ranges in the
be the same color. You can see this if
ll F33 and press F2 to edit the formula.
exists, but you
In
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we'll wrapthe
suppress our
In cell
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#N/A
enter error,
VLOOKUP
you can use an
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error handling
2,C17:D20,2,F
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called
ALSE). The
IFERROR
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=IF(C43="","",
G43:
for Apples is
VLOOKUP(C43,
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VLOOKUP
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OKUP(F43,F37:
VLOOKUP
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G41,2,FALSE)," foris one of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites too!). VLOOKUP lets you look up a value i
Apples,
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=VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
Meat
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What
VLOOKUP
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a valid VLOOKUP lets you look updo
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If you
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and
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then
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Where dothe
=VLOOKUP(F2
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you want to look for it? column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:
display
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otherwise,
LSE).
return
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results.
EXPERIMENT
We Note
displayed
the second
Try selecting
nothing here different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.
closing
(""), but youfor more detail
Dive down
parenthesis
can also use at
Next
the
numbersend of(0,1, the
formula.
VLOOKUP
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Invariably,
closes the as you'll
IF run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and it returns an error (#N/A). Sometime
text, such
statement.
"Formula isn'tDETAIL
IMPORTANT
correct". is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it will suppress any error your formula might throw. This can cau
IFERROR

A rule of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas until you're absolutely certain they work properly.
Previous
Next
More information on the web
All about the VLOOKUP function
1
All about the INDEX/MATCH functions
All about the IFERROR function
Use PivotTables to analyze worksheet data
2 online
Free Excel training

Dive down for more detail

VLOOKUP and #N/A

Invariably, you'll run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to,
and it returns an error (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because the lookup value simply
doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet.

1
 2

Previous

More information on the web

 VLOOKUP
OKUP is one of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites too!). VLOOKUP lets you look up a value in a column on t

OOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
VLOOKUP
at do you want to islook
onefor?
of the most widely used functions in Excel (and one of our favorites
ou find it, how many columnsyou
too!). VLOOKUP lets look
to the updo
right a value in a to
you want column on the left, then returns
get a value?
ere doinformation in another
you want to look for it? column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:
you want an exact, or approximate match?
What do you If you find it, how many
want to look columns to the right do
ERIMENT for? you want to get a value?
selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.
e down for more detail

OKUP
riably,and =VLOOKUP(A1,B:C,2,FALSE)
#N/A
you'll run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to, and it returns an error (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because th

ORTANT DETAIL
RROR is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it will suppress any error your formula might throw. This can cause problems if E
Where do Do you want
you want to an exact,
le of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas until you're or
absolutely certain they work properly.
look for it? approximate
match?

re information on the web

about the VLOOKUP function
1 In cell D22,
about the INDEX/MATCH
enter =VLOOKUP(C22,C17:D20,2,FALSE). The correct answer
functions
for Apples is 50. VLOOKUP looked for Apples, found it, then went over one
about the IFERROR function
column to the right, and returned the amount.
PivotTables to analyze worksheet data
2 online
e Excel training Now try for yourself in the Meat section, in cell G22. You should end up
with =VLOOKUP(F22,F17:G20,2,FALSE).

Dive down for more detail Next

VLOOKUP and #N/A

Invariably, you'll run into a situation where VLOOKUP can't find what you asked it to,
and it returns an error (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because the lookup value simply
doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet.

1 If you know your lookup value exists, but want to hide the error if the lookup
cell is blank, you can use an IF statement. In this case, we'll wrap our existing
VLOOKUP formula like this in cell D43:

=IF(C43="","",VLOOKUP(C43,C37:D41,2,FALSE))
 If you know your lookup value exists, but want to hide the error if the lookup
cell is blank, you can use an IF statement. In this case, we'll wrap our existing
VLOOKUP formula like this in cell D43:

=IF(C43="","",VLOOKUP(C43,C37:D41,2,FALSE))

This says, "If cell C43 equals nothing (""), then return nothing, otherwise
return the VLOOKUP's results". Note the second closing parenthesis at the
end of the formula. This closes the IF statement.

2 If you're not sure your lookup value exists, but you still want to suppress the
#N/A error, you can use an error handling function called IFERROR in cell
G43: =IFERROR(VLOOKUP(F43,F37:G41,2,FALSE),""). IFERROR says, "If
the VLOOKUP returns a valid result, then display that, otherwise, display
nothing ("")". We displayed nothing here (""), but you can also use numbers
(0,1, 2, etc.), or text, such as "Formula isn't correct".

Previous Next

More information on the web

All about the VLOOKUP function

All about the INDEX/MATCH functions

All about the IFERROR function

Use PivotTables to analyze worksheet data

Free Excel training online

ou look up a value in a column on the left, then returns information in another column to the right if it finds a match. VLOOKUP says:

s with new values.

r (#N/A). Sometimes, it's because the lookup value simply doesn't exist, or it can because the reference cell doesn't have a value yet.

Fruit Amount Meat Amount

Apples 50 Beef 50
Oranges 20 Chicken 30
Bananas 60 Pork 10
Lemons 40 Fish 50

Apples Pork

EXPERIMENT
Try selecting different items from the drop down lists. You'll see
the result cells instantly update themselves with new values.

M function in cell D42 could talk, it would say this: Sum up the values in cells D38, D39, D40, and D41.
Item Amount Item Amount
Bread 50 Bread 50
Donuts 100 Donuts 100
Cookies 40 Cookies 40
Cakes 50 Cakes 50
Pies 20 Pies 20
#N/A Pastry

IMPORTANT DETAIL
IFERROR is what's known as a blanket error handler, meaning it
will suppress any error your formula might throw. This can
cause problems if Excel is giving you a notification that your
formula has a legitimate error that needs to be fixed.

A rule of thumb is to not add error handlers to your formulas

until you're absolutely certain they work properly.
ch. VLOOKUP says:

't have a value yet.

written, you
can just
replace the
function name
with the one
you want.
We've written
all the
functions you'll
need for cell
Conditional functions - SUMIF
Conditional
E106, so youfunctions - SUMIF
can
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based on a given condition, or criter
copy/paste
SUMIF
these, or lets
try you
to sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in another range, like how many Apples you h
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range
=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
type them
yourself based on a given condition, or criteria you specify. Such as, out of all the fruits in the
for
What range do you want to look at?
practice. list, how many are apples? Or, how many oranges are the Florida type?
What value
EXPERT TIP (text or number) do you want to look for?
Each
For one of
eachismatch found, what range
SUMIF
SUMIFS the same as SUMIF, but itdolets
youyou
want
usetomultiple
sum in?criteria. So in this example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead
the Fruit
=SUMIF(C92:C
Type cells has
and
1
103,C106,E92:
a=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
drop-down
E103)
list
What where
COUNTIFS
SUMIFS range you
isdo you want to sum?
can
the select
same
=SUMIFS(E92:
This is as
This is the
different thefruits.
first range to look in for matches
SUMIF, but it
E103,C92:C103
second range
This
Try
lets is
it, the
and
youinuse
,C106,D92:D10
to look criteria for the first match
for
watch
multiple
3,D106)
matches the
formulas
criteria.
AVERAGEIF So in
This is the criteria for the second match
automatically
this example,
=AVERAGEIF(C
update.
you can look
92:C103,C106,
for
DiveFruit
E92:E103)
down and for more detail
Type, instead
AVERAGEIFS
Next
of juststep
by Fruit.
=AVERAGEIFS(
Conditional
Select cell H64
E92:E103,C92: functions - COUNTIF
and type
C103,C106,D9
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you specify. They're a bit different from the other I
=COUNTIFS(F5
2:D92,D106)
Select cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF is structured like this:
0:F61,F64,G50:
COUNTIF
=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
G61,G64).
=COUNTIF(C92
COUNTIFS
What rangeisdo you want to look at?
:C103,C106)
value 2
structured like
COUNTIFS
What
this:
=COUNTIFS(C9 (text or number) do you want to look for?
2:C103,C106,D
92:D103,D106)
=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
MAXIFS
This is the first range to count
=MAXIFS(E92:E
This is the criteria for the first match
103,C92:C103,
C106,D92:D10
This is the second range to count
3,D106)
This is criteria for the second match
MINIFS
Dive down for more detail
=MINIFS(E92:E
103,C92:C103,
Next
C106,D92:D10
More
3,D106)conditional functions

=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
Dive down for more detail
Next
SUMIF with a value argument
Here's an example of the SUMIF function using greater than (>) to find all values greater than a given amount:
200
Sum up through
....Look some values
thesebased
cells...on this criterion:
...and if the value is greater than 50, sum it up.

NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a PivotTable is a better solution. See this Piv
More information on thedown
Dive web for more detail
 Dive down for more detail
All about the SUMIF function
All about the SUMIFS function
All about the COUNTIF function
All about the COUNTIFS function
Conditional functions - COUNTIF
All about the AVERAGEIF function
All about the AVERAGEIFS function
All about the MINIFS function
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you
All about the MAXIFS function
specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only
Create a drop-down list
Free Excelhave a criteria
training online range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another
to summarize.
Back to top
Next
1

=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)

Dive down for more detail

More conditional functions

More conditional functions
You've already seen SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can try on
your own with the other functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS, MINIFS. They're
all structured the same way, so once you get one formula written, you can just replace
the function name with the one you want. We've written all the functions you'll need
for cell E106, so you can copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice.

SUMIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
AVERAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
COUNTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)

Dive down for more detail

SUMIF with a value argument

Here's an example of the SUMIF function using greater than (>) to find all values
greater than a given amount:

Sum up some
values based
on this
criterion:

=SUMIF(D118:D122,">=50")

NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a
PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article for more information.

Previous

More information on the web

 Conditional functions - SUMIF
ditional functions - SUMIF
ditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range based on a given condition, or criter
MIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in another range, like how many Apples you h
Conditional functions let you sum, average, count or get the min or max of a range
MIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
based on a given condition, or criteria you specify. Such as, out of all the fruits in the
at range do you want to look at?
list, how many are apples? Or, how many oranges are the Florida type?
at value (text or number) do you want to look for?
eachismatch
MIFS found,
the same what range
as SUMIF, but itdolets
youyou
want
usetomultiple
sum in?criteria. So in this example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. S
1 SUMIF lets you sum in one range based on a specifc criteria you look for in
another range, like how many Apples you have. Select cell D17 and type
MIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
at range do you=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D14).
want to sum? SUMIF is structured like this:
is the first range to look in for matches
is the criteria for the first matchWhat range do you For each match found, what
want to look at? range do you want to sum?

is the criteria for the second match

=SUMIF(C3:C14,C17,D3:D4)
e down for more detail

ditional functions - COUNTIF

UNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range
What based
value (textonor anumber)
criteria you specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functio
ct cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF
do you want tois look
structured
for? like this:
UNTIF(C50:C61,C64)
at range do you want to look at?
at value 2 SUMIFS
(text or number)isdo theyou
same
wantastoSUMIF, but it lets you use multiple criteria. So in this
look for?
example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select cell
H17 and type =SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17). SUMIFS is
UNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)
structured like this:
is the first range to count
is the criteria for the firstWhat
matchrange This is the This is the
is the second range to countdo you want criteria for criteria for
to sum?
is criteria for the second match the first the second
match match
e down for more detail

re conditional functions

=SUMIFS(H3:H14,F3:F14,F17,G3:G14,G17)
e down for more detail

MIF with a value argument

This is the
e's an example of the SUMIF function using greater Thisgreater
than (>) to find all values is the than a given amount:
first range to second range
look in for to look in for
mook
up through
some values based on
these cells... this criterion: matches matches
nd if the value is greater than 50, sum it up.

TE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article
re information on thedown
Dive web for more detail Next
 Dive down for more detail Next
about the SUMIF function
about the SUMIFS function
about the COUNTIF function
about the COUNTIFS function
Conditional functions - COUNTIF
about the AVERAGEIF function
about the AVERAGEIFS function
about the MINIFS function
COUNTIF and COUNTIFS let you count values in a range based on a criteria you
about the MAXIFS function
specify. They're a bit different from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only
ate a drop-down list
e Excelhave a criteria
training online range, and criteria. They don't evalute one range, then look in another
to summarize.

1 Select cell D64 and type =COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64). COUNTIF is structured

like this:
What range do you
want to look at?

=COUNTIF(C50:C61,C64)

What value (text or number)

do you want to look for?

2 COUNTIFS is the same as SUMIF, but it lets you use multiple criteria. So in
this example, you can look for Fruit and Type, instead of just by Fruit. Select
cell H64 and type =COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64). COUNTIFS is
structured like this:
This is the first This is the second
range to count range to count

=COUNTIFS(F50:F61,F64,G50:G61,G64)

This is the criteria This is criteria for

for the first match the second match

Dive down for more detail Next

More conditional functions

More conditional functions
You've already seen SUMIF, SUMIFS, COUNTIF, and COUNTIFS. Now you can try on
your own with the other functions, such as AVERAGEIF/S, MAXIFS, MINIFS. They're
all structured the same way, so once you get one formula written, you can just replace
the function name with the one you want. We've written all the functions you'll need
for cell E106, so you can copy/paste these, or try to type them yourself for practice.

SUMIF =SUMIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
SUMIFS =SUMIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
AVERAGEIF =AVERAGEIF(C92:C103,C106,E92:E103)
AVERAGEIFS =AVERAGEIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D92,D106)
COUNTIF =COUNTIF(C92:C103,C106)
COUNTIFS =COUNTIFS(C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MAXIFS =MAXIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)
MINIFS =MINIFS(E92:E103,C92:C103,C106,D92:D103,D106)

Dive down for more detail Next

SUMIF with a value argument

Here's an example of the SUMIF function using greater than (>) to find all values
greater than a given amount:

Sum up some ....Look through ...and if the

values based these cells... value is
on this greater than
criterion: 50, sum it up.

=SUMIF(D118:D122,">=50")

NOTE: If you find you are making a lot of conditional formulas, you might find that a
PivotTable is a better solution. See this PivotTable article for more information.

Previous Next step

More information on the web

All about the SUMIF function All about the SUMIFS function
All about the SUMIF function All about the SUMIFS function

All about the COUNTIF function All about the COUNTIFS function

All about the AVERAGEIF function All about the AVERAGEIFS function

All about the MINIFS function All about the MAXIFS function

Create a drop-down list Free Excel training online

Back to top
 Fruit Amount Fruit Type Amount
Apples 50 Apples Fuji 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Florida 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Rough 40
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Lady Finger 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40

Fruit SUMIF Fruit Type SUMIFS

Apples Oranges Florida

nt from the other IF and IFS functions, in that they only have a criteria range, and criteria. They don't evalute
EXPERT TIPone range, then look in anot
Each one of the Fruit and Type cells has a
drop-down list where you can select
different fruits. Try it, and watch the
formulas automatically update.

olution. See this PivotTable article for more information.

Fruit Amount Fruit Type Amount
Apples 50 Apples Fuji 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Florida 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Rough 40
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Lady Finger 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40
Apples 50 Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges 20 Oranges Navel 20
Bananas 60 Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons 40 Lemons Eureka 40

Fruit COUNTIF Fruit Type COUNTIFS

Apples 3 Oranges Florida 1
Fruit Type Amount
Apples Fuji 50
Oranges Florida 20
Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons Rough 40
Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges Navel 20
Bananas Lady Finger 60
Lemons Eureka 40
Apples Honeycrisp 50
Oranges Navel 20
Bananas Cavendish 60
Lemons Eureka 40

Fruit Type Try it

Lemons Eureka 80

Item Amount
Bread 50
Donuts 100
Cookies 40
Cakes 50
Pies 20
200
ne range, then look in another to summarize.
ruit and Type cells has a
here you can select
y it, and watch the
tically update.
GOOD TO KNOW
Double-click this cell and you'll see that the formula
is different. Specifically, the sum criteria is ">=50"
which means greater than or equal to 50. There are
other operators you can use like "<=50" which is less
than or equal to 50. And there's "<>50" which is not
equals 50.
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1
Previous
Next
More information on the web
Overview of formulas in Excel
2 (by category)
Excel functions
Excel functions (alphabetical)
Free Excel training online

Previous

More information on the web

 Let the Function Wizard guide you
uheknow
Function Wizard
the name ofguide you you want, but you're not sure how to build it, you can use the Function Wizard to help you out.
the function

If you know the name of the function you want, but you're not sure how to build it,
OD TOyou
KNOWcan use the Function Wizard to help you out.
can type cell and range references, or select them with your mouse.
1 Select cell D10, then go to Formulas > Insert Function > type
VLOOKUP in the Search for a function box, and press GO. When you
see VLOOKUP highlighted, click OK at the bottom. When you select a
function
e information on the webin the list, Excel will display its syntax.
rview of formulas in Excel
2 (byNext,
l functions enter the function arguments in their respective text boxes. As you
category)
enter each one, Excel will evaluate it, and show you its result, with the final
l functions (alphabetical)
Excel training result
online at the bottom. Press OK when you're done, and Excel will enter the
formula for you.

GOOD TO KNOW
You can type cell and
with your mouse.

GOOD TO KNOW
As you enter each argu
description will be disp
above the Formula resu

Previous Next

More information on the web

Overview of formulas in Excel

Excel functions (by category)

Excel functions (alphabetical)

Free Excel training online
n Wizard to help you out.

Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40

Apples 50

CHECK THIS OUT

You should end up with
=VLOOKUP(C10,C5:D8,2,FALSE)

GOOD TO KNOW
You can type cell and range references, or select them
with your mouse.

GOOD TO KNOW
As you enter each argument's section, the argument's
description will be displayed toward the bottom of the form,
above the Formula result.
GOOD TO
KNOW
Fixing
At some
Clicking Fixing formula errors
formula
point inerrors
time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can be he
Error checking
Options will let- Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that will tell you the general cause for your specific err
you setclick
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rules At
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will step across the
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errors in Excel
display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when
EXPERIMENT
are displayed
What's something's
wrong
or ignored. here? Hint:notWe're
working right,
trying butup
to SUM they canitems.
all the be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there
are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
Previous
Next 1
More information on the web
Detect errors in formulas
How to avoid broken formulas
Evaluate a nested formula one step at a time
Free Excel training online

3
 Previous

More information on the web

ome Fixing formula errors
g formula errors
point in time, you'll run across a formula that has an error, which Excel will display with #ErrorName. Errors can be helpful, because th
r checking - Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog that will tell you the general cause for your specific error. In cell D9, th
u click Help on this Error, a help topic specific to the error message will open. If you click Show Calculation Steps, an Evaluate Formula dial
h timeAtyousome
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trying butup
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all the be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there
are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.

1 Error checking - Go to Formulas > Error Checking. This will load a dialog
e information onthat will tell you the general cause for your specific error. In cell D9, the
the web
#N/A error is caused because there is no value matching "Apple". You can
ect errors in formulas
to avoid brokenfix this by using a value that does exist, suppress the error with IFERROR, or
formulas
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uate a nested formula one it and
stepknow it will go away when you do use a value that exists.
at a time
Excel training online

2 If you click Help on this Error, a help topic specific to the error message
will open. If you click Show Calculation Steps, an Evaluate Formula dialog
will load.

3 Each time you click Evaluate, Excel will step through the formula one
section at a time. It won't necessarily tell you why an error occurs, but it will
point out where. From there, look at the help topic to deduce what went
wrong with your formula.
 Each time you click Evaluate, Excel will step through the formula one
section at a time. It won't necessarily tell you why an error occurs, but it will
point out where. From there, look at the help topic to deduce what went
wrong with your formula.

Previous Next

More information on the web

Detect errors in formulas

How to avoid broken formulas

Evaluate a nested formula one step at a time

Free Excel training online

e. Errors can be helpful, because they point out when something's not working right, but they can be challenging to fix. Fortunately, there

Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40

Apple #N/A

GOOD TO KNOW
Clicking Options will let you set the
rules for when errors in Excel are
displayed or ignored.

Fruit Amount
Apples 50
Oranges 20
Bananas 60
Lemons 40

Total #NAME?

EXPERIMENT
What's wrong here? Hint: We're trying to SUM
up all the items.
ging to fix. Fortunately, there are several options that can help you track down the source of the error, and fix it.
More questions about Excel?
Press ALT+Q and type what you want to know.
Keep going. There is more to learn with Excel:
LinkedIn Learning: Video courses for all levels—from beginner to advanced. Take at your own pace.
Community: Ask questions and connect with other Excel fans.
What else is new?Office 365 subscribers get continual updates and new features.
More questions about Excel?
Press ALT+Q and type what you want to know.
More questions about Excel?
Keep going. There is more to learn with Excel:
LinkedIn Learning: Video courses for all levels—from beginner to advanced. Take at your own pace.
Community: Ask questions and connect with other Excel fans.

Keep going. There is more to learn with Excel:

LinkedIn Learning Community

Video courses for all Ask questions and
levels—from beginner to connect with other
advanced. Take at your Excel fans.
own pace.
Learn more Learn more
What else is new?
Office 365 subscribers
get continual updates
and new features.

Learn more