Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to fix the #REF! error in Microsoft Excel, based on the provided source:
How to Fix the #REF! Error in Microsoft Excel
The #REF! error means that Excel can’t find the cells that your formula is referring to. This can happen for several reasons.
Scenario 1: Deleted referenced cells.
- Identify the formula that is causing the #REF! error.
- Check if any of the cells referenced in the formula have been deleted. If you delete cells that are referenced in a formula, the formula will return a #REF! error. To fix this, you can either:
- Restore the deleted cells.
- Update the formula to reference different cells.
Scenario 2: Cutting and pasting referenced cells.
- Identify the formula that is causing the #REF! error.
- Check if any of the cells referenced in the formula have been cut and pasted over. If you cut and paste cells over cells that were previously referenced in a formula, the formula will return a #REF! error. To fix this, you can either:
- Undo the cut and paste operation.
- Update the formula to reference the new location of the cells.
- Note: a copy and paste will not cause the #REF! error
Scenario 3: Deleting columns or rows containing referenced cells.
- Identify the formula that is causing the #REF! error.
- Check if any columns or rows containing cells referenced in the formula have been deleted. If you delete a column or row that contains cells that are referenced in a formula, the formula will return a #REF! error. To fix this, you can either:
- Restore the deleted column or row.
- Update the formula to reference a range of cells instead of individual cells. Formulas that refer to a range of cells are more adaptable to changes in the worksheet.
Scenario 4: Using a VLOOKUP formula with an incorrect column index number.
- Identify the VLOOKUP formula that is causing the #REF! error.
- Check the column index number in the VLOOKUP formula. The column index number specifies which column in the lookup table contains the value you want to return. If you delete a column in the lookup table, you need to update the column index number in the VLOOKUP formula. For example, if the column index number is 3, but you delete a column in the lookup table, you need to change the column index number to 2.
Scenario 5: Referring to a spilled array formula or table in a closed workbook.
- Identify the formula that is causing the #REF! error.
- Check if the formula is referring to a spilled array formula or a table in a closed workbook. If you refer to a spilled array formula or a table in a closed workbook, the formula will return a #REF! error. To fix this, you can either:
- Open the workbook that contains the spilled array formula or table.
- Remove the reference to the spilled array formula or table from the formula.
If you are still getting the #REF! error after trying these steps, you may need to further examine your formula and the cells it is referencing to identify the source of the error.