Explanation

About the #REF!

error

The #REF!

error shows up when a reference is invalid.

Clear REF errors with find and replace

In the example shown, the formula in C10 returns a #REF!

errors is to prevent then from occurring in the first place.

If you cause a #REF!

Clear REF errors with find and replace

error, it’s best to fix immediately.

For example, if you delete a column, and #REF!

When you undo, the #REF!

Clear REF errors with find and replace

Finally, delete the column and confirm there are no #REF!

Clearing multiple #REF!

Use theshortcutControl + H to initiate the Find and Replace dialog.

Clear REF errors with find and replace

Just edit the formula and replace #REF!

with a valid reference.

Note: you’re able to’t undo the deletion of a sheet in Excel.

Clear REF errors with find and replace

#REF!

errors with VLOOKUP

You may see a #REF!

error with theVLOOKUP function, when a column is specified incorrectly.

Example of #REF! error with VLOOKUP

In the screen below, VLOOKUP returns #REF!

Trapping the #REF!

error with IFERROR

In most cases, it doesn’t make sense to trap the #REF!

Example of #REF! error resolved with VLOOKUP

error in a formula, because #REF!

indicates a low-level problem.

error

How to fix the #REF!

Excel formula: How to fix the #N/A error

error

How to fix the #NAME?

error

How to fix the #VALUE!

error

How to fix the #NUM!

Excel formula: How to fix the #DIV/0! error

error

How to fix the #NULL!

error

How to fix the #CALC!

you might use the ISREF function to check for a reference in a formula.

Excel formula: How to fix the #REF! error

IFERROR is an elegant way to trap and manage errors without using more complicated nested IF statements.

Excel formula error codes

Excel formula: How to fix the #NAME? error

Excel formula: How to fix the #VALUE! error

Excel formula: How to fix the #NUM! error

Excel formula: How to fix the #NULL! error

Excel formula: How to fix the #### (hashtag) error

Excel formula: How to fix the #SPILL! error

Excel formula: How to fix the #CALC! error

Excel ISREF function

Excel IFERROR function

Article image

Example of #REF! error with VLOOKUP

Example of #REF! error resolved with VLOOKUP