IFERROR Function
Master Excel's IFERROR function to handle errors gracefully. Replace #N/A, #DIV/0!, #VALUE! and other errors with custom values or blank cells.
Excel
Google SheetsExcel=IFERROR(value, value_if_error)Practical Examples
Basic VLOOKUP Error Handling
Replace #N/A errors when lookup value doesn't exist
Division by Zero Protection
Prevent #DIV/0! errors in percentage calculations
Nested IFERROR with Multiple Lookups
Try multiple lookup tables in sequence
Return Blank Instead of Error
Create clean reports by returning empty cells for errors
Financial Ratio with Error Handling
Calculate debt-to-equity ratio with protection
Array Formula Error Handling
Handle errors in array formulas for multiple cells
Common Errors and Solutions
IFERROR still shows error or returns unexpected result
The error might be in the IFERROR function itself, not the formula it's checking
1. Check that both arguments are provided 2. Ensure proper comma separation 3. Verify parentheses are balanced 4. Test the value_if_error argument separately
Always test IFERROR with a known error first, like =IFERROR(1/0, "Error caught")
Example:
Excel doesn't recognize IFERROR function
Using IFERROR in Excel 2003 or earlier versions where it doesn't exist
1. Upgrade to Excel 2007 or later 2. Use alternative: =IF(ISERROR(formula), value_if_error, formula) 3. In Google Sheets, ensure correct spelling
Check Excel version compatibility before using IFERROR
Example:
Spreadsheet becomes slow with many IFERROR formulas
IFERROR evaluates the formula completely before checking for errors
1. Use IFNA for #N/A errors specifically 2. Prevent errors at source when possible 3. Limit IFERROR to necessary cells only
Use targeted error functions like IFNA for specific error types
Multiple nested IFERRORs return wrong value
Incorrect nesting order or missing parentheses in complex formulas
1. Build the formula step by step 2. Test each level separately 3. Use line breaks in formula bar for clarity 4. Consider using IFS or SWITCH instead
Limit nesting to 2-3 levels maximum for maintainability
Example:
Advanced Tips and Techniques
When working with VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, or MATCH functions, use IFNA instead of IFERROR. IFNA only catches #N/A errors, allowing other errors like #REF! or #VALUE! to surface for debugging.
Prevent errors at the source by using Data Validation rules. This reduces the need for IFERROR and improves overall data quality. IFERROR should be your safety net, not your primary strategy.
IFERROR can mask problems in your formulas or data. During development, work without IFERROR to identify and fix issues, then add it for production use.
Instead of returning blank or zero, provide context-specific messages that help users understand what happened. For example, 'Awaiting data' or 'Division by zero - check target values'.
In Excel 365 and Google Sheets, IFERROR works with dynamic arrays. Apply it once to an entire array formula instead of to individual cells for better performance.
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Example Excel formula:
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Master the IF function with practical examples and error solutions. Learn conditional logic in Excel and Google Sheets for smarter decision-making.
Excel