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. ERROR.TYPE Function Syntax
ERROR.TYPE(error_val)
2. ERROR.TYPE Function Arguments
| 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 |
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.
3. ERROR.TYPE Function example
Formula in cell C3:
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 many functions in the 'Information' category.
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