Returns a value you specify if a formula evaluates to an error; otherwise, returns the result of the formula. Use the IFERROR function to trap and handle errors in a formula .

Syntax

IFERROR(value,value_if_error)

Value is the argument that is checked for an error.

Value_if_error is the value to return if the formula evaluates to an error. The following error types are evaluated: #N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, #DIV/0!, #NUM!, #NAME?, or #NULL!.

Remarks

Example: Trapping division errors by using a regular formula

The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank worksheet.

How to copy an example

  1. Create a blank workbook or worksheet.
  2. Select the example in the Help topic.

    Note Do not select the row or column headers.

    selecting an example from helpSelecting an example from Help

  3. Press CTRL+C.
  4. In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
  5. To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, click the Show Formulas button.
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A B
Quota Units Sold
210 35
55 0
23
Formula Description (result)
=IFERROR(A2/B2, "Error in calculation") Checks for an error in the formula in the first argument (divide 210 by 35), finds no error, and then returns the results of the formula (6)
=IFERROR(A3/B3, "Error in calculation") Checks for an error in the formula in the first argument (divide 55 by 0), finds a division by 0 error, and then returns value_if_error (Error in calculation)
=IFERROR(A4/B4, "Error in calculation") Checks for an error in the formula in the first argument (divide "" by 23), finds no error, and then returns the results of the formula (0).

Example: Trapping division errors by using an array formula

The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank worksheet.

How to copy an example

  1. Create a blank workbook or worksheet.
  2. Select the example in the Help topic.

    Note Do not select the row or column headers.

    selecting an example from helpSelecting an example from Help

  3. Press CTRL+C.
  4. In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
  5. To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, click the Show Formulas button.
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A B C
Quota Units Sold Ratio
210 35 =IFERROR(A2:A4/B2:B4, "Error in calculation")
55 0
23
Formula Description (result)
=C2 Checks for an error in the formula in the first argument in the first element of the array (A2/B2 or divide 210 by 35), finds no error, and then returns the result of the formula (6)
=C3 Checks for an error in the formula in the first argument in the second element of the array (A3/B3 or divide 55 by 0), finds a division by 0 error, and then returns value_if_error (Error in calculation)
=C4 Checks for an error in the formula in the first argument in the third element of the array (A4/B4 or divide "" by 23), finds no error, and then returns the result of the formula (0)

Note The formula in the example must be entered as an array formula. After copying the example to a blank worksheet, select the range C2:C4, press F2, and then press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.

See also: