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Cleanup function

Excel ISERROR function

ISERROR returns TRUE if a value or formula results in any error, such as #N/A, #DIV/0!, or #VALUE!. Use it to flag problem rows or to test a calculation before you show it.

=ISERROR(value)

Arguments

value
The value or formula to check.

ISERROR examples

Every result below was calculated from this sample sheet by the same spreadsheet engine the Cellwise app uses.

ABC
1StoreRevenueVisits
2Downtown18400920
3Airport96000
4Mall12750510
5Outlet4300closed
  1. =ISERROR(B3/C3)

    Result: TRUE

    TRUE, because dividing by zero visits gives #DIV/0!.

  2. =IF(ISERROR(B2/C2),"No data",B2/C2)

    Result: 20

    Shows revenue per visit, or "No data" when the math fails.

  3. =ISERROR(B5/C5)

    Result: TRUE

    TRUE again. Dividing by text gives #VALUE!, and ISERROR catches every error type.

  4. =ISERROR(MATCH("Harbor",A2:A5,0))

    Result: TRUE

    TRUE when a store is missing from the list.

How to use ISERROR

  1. Click the cell for the result.
  2. Type =ISERROR( and the formula or cell to test.
  3. Press Enter to see TRUE or FALSE.
  4. Wrap it in IF to choose what to show instead.

Common ISERROR mistakes

Writing the formula twice inside IF

IF(ISERROR(x),"",x) calculates x twice. IFERROR(x,"") does the same job in one step.

Hiding errors you should fix

ISERROR treats a typo #NAME? the same as a missing value. Check the formula works before you mask errors.

Only wanting to catch #N/A

Use ISNA or IFNA so other errors still show up.

ISERROR FAQ

What is the difference between ISERROR and IFERROR in Excel?

ISERROR only returns TRUE or FALSE. IFERROR returns the formula result, or a value you choose if there is an error.

How do I check if a cell has an error in Excel?

Use =ISERROR(A2). It returns TRUE for #N/A, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #REF!, #NAME?, #NUM! and #NULL!.

What is the difference between ISERROR and ISERR?

ISERR catches every error except #N/A. ISERROR catches #N/A too.

Guides that use ISERROR

Related functions

Updated