Correct a #N/A error - Excel - Microsoft Office Online

Warning: You are viewing this page with an unsupported Web browser. This Web site works best with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, Firefox 1.5, or Netscape Navigator 8.0 or later. Learn more about supported browsers.

Email this link

Printer-Friendly Version Bookmark and Share

Correct a #N/A error

Applies to: Microsoft Office Excel 2003

Occurs when a value is not available to a function or formula.

Click the cell that displays the error, click the button that appears , and then click Trace Error if it appears.
Review the possible causes and solutions.

Possible causes and solutions

Show Missing data, and #N/A or NA() has been entered in its place

Replace #N/A with new data.

Note You can enter #N/A in those cells where data is not yet available. Formulas that refer to those cells will then return #N/A instead of attempting to calculate a value.

Show Giving an inappropriate value for the lookup_value argument in the HLOOKUP, LOOKUP, MATCH, or VLOOKUP worksheet function

Make sure the lookup_value argument (argument: The values that a function uses to perform operations or calculations. The type of argument a function uses is specific to the function. Common arguments that are used within functions include numbers, text, cell references, and names.) is the correct type of value— for example, a value or a cell reference, but not a range reference.

Show Using the VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, or MATCH worksheet function to locate a value in an unsorted table

By default, functions that look up information in tables must be sorted in ascending order. However, the VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP worksheet functions contain a range_lookup argument (argument: The values that a function uses to perform operations or calculations. The type of argument a function uses is specific to the function. Common arguments that are used within functions include numbers, text, cell references, and names.) that instructs the function to find an exact match even if the table is not sorted. To find an exact match, set the range_lookup argument to FALSE.

The MATCH worksheet function contains a match_type argument that specifies the order the list must be sorted in to find a match. If the function cannot find a match, try changing the match_type argument. To find an exact match, set the match_type argument to 0.

Show Using an argument in an array formula that is not the same number of rows or columns as the range that contains the array formula

If the array formula (array formula: A formula that performs multiple calculations on one or more sets of values, and then returns either a single result or multiple results. Array formulas are enclosed between braces { } and are entered by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.) has been entered into multiple cells, make sure the ranges referenced by the formula have the same number of rows and columns, or enter the array formula into fewer cells. For example, if the array formula has been entered into a range 15 rows high (C1:C15) and the formula refers to a range 10 rows high (A1:A10), the range C11:C15 will display #N/A. To correct this error, enter the formula into a smaller range (for example, C1:C10), or change the range to which the formula refers to the same number of rows (for example, A1:A15).

Show Omitting one or more required arguments from a built-in or custom worksheet function

Enter all arguments (argument: The values that a function uses to perform operations or calculations. The type of argument a function uses is specific to the function. Common arguments that are used within functions include numbers, text, cell references, and names.) in the function.

Show Using a custom worksheet function that is not available

Make sure the workbook that contains the worksheet function is open and the function is working properly.

Show Running a macro that enters a function that returns #N/A

Make sure the arguments (argument: The values that a function uses to perform operations or calculations. The type of argument a function uses is specific to the function. Common arguments that are used within functions include numbers, text, cell references, and names.) in the function are correct and in the correct position.