How to use the ERROR.TYPE function
What is the ERROR.TYPE function?
The ERROR.TYPE function returns a number that represents one of the error values in Excel.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
When does Excel return errors in cells?
Excel returns errors in cells when it encounters problems with formulas, data inputs, or calculations. Here are some common errors:
- #DIV/0! error
- #N/A error
- #NAME? error
- #NULL! error
- #NUM! error
- #REF! error
- #VALUE! error
- #GETTING_DATA error
- #SPILL! error
- #CALC! error
What is a #NULL error? This error occurs most often if you by mistake use a space character in a formula where it shouldn't be. Excel interprets a space character as an intersection operator. If the ranges don't intersect an #NULL error is returned.
The #NULL! error occurs when a formula attempts to calculate the intersection of two ranges that do not actually intersect. This can happen when the wrong range operator is used in the formula, or when the intersection operator (represented by a space character) is used between two ranges that do not overlap. To fix this error double check that the ranges referenced in the formula that use the intersection operator actually have cells in common.
What is a #DIV/0 error? This error happens if you try to divide a number by 0 (zero) or a value that equates to zero which is not possible mathematically. Use the "Evaluate formula" tool to pinpoint the exact location in the formula where this error occurs. The "Evaluate formula" tool is located on the "Formulas" tab on the ribbon. Select the cell containing the #DIV/0 error and then press with left mouse button on the "Evaluate formula button".
What is a #VALUE error? The #VALUE error occurs when a formula has a value that is of the wrong data type. Such as text where a number is expected or when dates are evaluated as text.
What is a #REF error? The #REF error happens when a cell reference is invalid. This can happen if a cell is deleted that is referenced by a formula.
What is a #NAME error? The #NAME error happens if you misspelled a function or a named range.
What is a #NUM error? The #NUM error shows up when you try to use invalid numeric values in formulas, like square root of a negative number.
What is a #N/A error? The #N/A error happens when a value is not available for a formula or found in a given cell range, for example in the VLOOKUP or MATCH functions.
What is a #GETTING_DATA error? The #GETTING_DATA error shows while external sources are loading, this can indicate a delay in fetching the data or that the external source is unavailable right now.
2. Syntax
ERROR.TYPE(error_val)
| error_val | Required. A cell reference to an error value that you want to know the number of. |
What is a cell reference?
A cell reference lets you "fetch" and use values in other cells in a formula.
There are two types of cell references:
- A1-style reference
- R1C1 reference
The A1-style reference is the default style in Excel, it names columns by letters from A to Z. After Z it starts over with AA, AB, and so on until XFD. Rows are numbered from 1 to 1048576, older Excel versions use less row numbers.
The R1C1-style uses row number and column number like: R1C1, R2C5 and R10C15. Rows are labeled R1, R2, R3 and so on, columns are labeled C1, C2, C3 etc.
The A1-style reference notation is the most common one, here are some examples:
A1 - single cell reference on the same worksheet
A1:D5 - reference to a cell range on the same worksheet
Budget!Z3 - a single cell reference to worksheet Budget
'Budget 2050'!A3 - a single cell reference to a worksheet containing a space character
There are two types of cell references:
- Relative cell references
- Absolute cell references
The examples above are all relative cell references, they change accordingly if a cell is copied and pasted to another cell which absolute cell references do not.
The $ dollar character lets you an absolute cell reference meaning you can lock a cell reference horizontally, vertically or both. Here is one example:
A$1 has a relative column reference but an absolute row reference, this means that the column letter may change if the cell is copied and pasted to cells in another column than A.
| error_val | ERROR.TYPE |
| #NULL! | 1 |
| #DIV/0! | 2 |
| #VALUE! | 3 |
| #REF! | 4 |
| #NAME? | 5 |
| #NUM! | 6 |
| #N/A! | 7 |
| #GETTING_DATA | 8 |
The ERROR.TYPE function in Excel is useful in several scenarios, when you're working with complex spreadsheets or developing robust error-handling systems.
- Error handling in complex formulas: When you have complex nested formulas, ERROR.TYPE can help you identify which specific error occurred, allowing you to handle different errors differently.
- Customized error messages: You can use ERROR.TYPE in combination with IF statements to provide more user-friendly or context-specific error messages instead of Excel's default error values.
- Conditional formatting: ERROR.TYPE can be used in conditional formatting rules to visually highlight cells with specific types of errors.
- Data validation: In data entry scenarios, ERROR.TYPE can be used to validate inputs and provide specific feedback on what might be wrong with the entered data.
- Automated reporting: In automated reports, ERROR.TYPE can help categorize and summarize different types of errors that may occur across a large dataset.
- Filtering and sorting: ERROR.TYPE can be used to filter or sort data based on specific error types, which can be useful in large datasets.
3. Example
Cell B3 contains a #NULL! error which means an invalid cell range intersection was specified in a formula. This typically occurs when using the space operator (intersection) incorrectly between two ranges that don't actually intersect.
Cell C3:
Cell C3 returns 1 which corresponds to a #NULL! error.
Cell B4 contains a #DIV/0! error which means a division by zero or an empty cell was attempted in a formula.
Cell C4:
Cell C4 returns 2 which corresponds to a #DIV/0! error.
Cell B5 contains a #VALUE! error which means the wrong type of argument or operand was used in a formula or function.
Cell C5:
Cell C5 returns 3 which corresponds to a #VALUE! error.
Cell B6 contains a #REF! error which means a cell reference is not valid often due to deleted cells that are still referenced in formulas.
Cell C6:
Cell C6 returns 4 which corresponds to a #REF! error.
Cell B7 contains a #NAME? error which means Excel doesn't recognize text in a formula, usually due to misspelled function names or undefined range names.
Cell C7:
Cell C7 returns 5 which corresponds to a #NAME? error.
Cell B8 contains a #NUM! error which means a formula or function contains invalid numeric values.
Cell C8:
Cell C8 returns 6 which corresponds to a #NUM! error.
Cell B9 contains a #N/A error which means a formula or function can't find the referenced data, often seen with VLOOKUP when no match is found.
Cell C9:
Cell C9 returns 7 which corresponds to a #N/A error.
Cell B10 contains a #GETTING_DATA error which means Excel is still in the process of retrieving data from an external source.
Cell C10:
Cell C10 returns 8 which corresponds to a #GETTING_DATA error.
Cell B11 contains a #SPILL! error which means a formula that returns multiple values can't spill into the required range because it's not empty.
Cell C11:
Cell C11 returns 9 which corresponds to a #SPILL! error.
4. ERROR.TYPE Function not working
The ERROR.TYPE function returns #N/A! error if there is no error value in the argument.
Functions in 'Information' category
The ERROR.TYPE function function is one of 19 functions in the 'Information' category.
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