Microsoft Office

Part IV
Using Advanced Excel Features
The following formula doesn’t return #NULL! but displays the contents of cell B9 — which represents the
intersection of the two ranges.
=SUM(B5:B14 A9:F9)
#NUM! errors
A formula returns a #NUM! error if any of the following occurs:
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You pass a non-numeric argument to a function when a numeric argument is expected.
You pass an invalid argument to a function. For example, this formula returns #NUM!:
=SQRT(-12)
A function that uses iteration can’t calculate a result. Examples of functions that use iteration are
IRR and RATE.
A formula returns a value that is too large or too small. Excel supports values between –1E-307
and 1E+307.
#REF! errors
The #REF! error occurs when a formula uses an invalid cell reference. This error can occur in the following
situations:
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You delete a cell that is referenced by the formula. For example, the following formula displays a
#REF! error if row 1, column A, or column B is deleted.
=A1/B1
You copy a formula to a location that invalidates the relative cell references. For example, if you
copy the following formula from cell A2 to cell A1, the formula returns #REF! because it attempts
to refer to a nonexistent cell.
=A1-1
You cut a cell (by choosing Home ➪ Clipboard ➪ Cut) and then paste it to a cell that’s referenced
by a formula. The formula will display #REF!.
#VALUE! errors
The #VALUE! error is very common and can occur under the following conditions:
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An argument for a function is of an incorrect data type, or the formula attempts to perform an
operation using incorrect data. For example, a formula that adds a value to a text string returns
the #VALUE! error.
A function’s argument is a range when it should be a single value.
A custom worksheet function is not calculated. You can use Ctrl+Alt+F9 to force a recalculation.
A custom worksheet function attempts to perform an operation that is not valid. For example,
custom functions can’t modify the Excel environment or make changes to other cells.
You forget to press Ctrl+Shift+Enter when entering an Array formula.
Absolute/relative reference problems
As described in Chapter 11, a cell reference can be relative (for example, A1), absolute (for example, $A$1),
or mixed (for example, $A1 or A$1). The type of cell reference that you use in a formula is relevant only if
the formula will be copied to other cells.
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