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Logical & ConditionalVerified QA Tested

IFERROR.

Returns a specified value if a formula evaluates to an error; otherwise, returns the result of the formula.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Logical & Conditional
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

The IFERROR function catches and handles errors in a formula. It is especially useful for hiding messy error values like #DIV/0!, #N/A, or #VALUE! and replacing them with a custom message, empty string, or 0.

💡 In simple terms.

Runs a formula, but if the formula fails (like a division by zero error), it gives a clean default value instead of Excel's ugly errors.

Everyday Analogy

"Think of this like a protective shield. If your math equation tries to divide by zero and would explode with a weird error, the shield turns it into a friendly 0."

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=IFERROR(value, value_if_error)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the IFERROR function is detailed below.

valueRequired

The formula, expression, or cell reference to check for an error.

Example value: B2/C2
value_if_errorRequired

The value to return if the formula evaluates to an error.

Example value: 0

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Calculate Division Average

Calculate average sale value (Sales / Orders). Handle cases where orders are 0 to prevent #DIV/0! errors.

CategoryTotal RevenueTotal OrdersAverage Order ValueError Shield
Electronics45000150—On
Apparel1200040——
Home Decor00——
Applied Formula
=IFERROR(B2/C2, 0)
Expected Result:Calculated output

Evaluates IFERROR over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell D2:D6.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored IFERROR formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=IFERROR()

Expected result behavior.

Returns "Calculated output" based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:Calculated output
Output Type:Text String

Best Practices

  • Use an empty string "" as the value_if_error to make error rows look completely clean and blank.
  • Wrap lookups (like VLOOKUP) in IFERROR to handle items that are not in your reference tables.

Common Mistakes

  • IFERROR catches *all* errors, including spelling mistakes in your formula names. Be careful as it can hide bugs you actually want to fix.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use IFERROR across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =IFERROR(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in IFERROR?↓

IFERROR catches *all* errors, including spelling mistakes in your formula names. Be careful as it can hide bugs you actually want to fix.

Does IFERROR work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, IFERROR is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.