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ISERROR.

Checks whether a value is any Excel error and returns TRUE or FALSE.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Information
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

ISERROR tests whether a cell or formula produces any error condition, including #N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, #DIV/0!, #NUM!, #NAME?, and #NULL!.

Formula syntax.

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

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the ISERROR function is detailed below.

valueRequired

The cell or formula calculation to test.

Example value: A2/B2

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Division Audit - Error Detection

Check if dividing revenue by units sold triggers a calculation error.

RevenueUnitsHas Error?
10000—
250050—
4000100—
Applied Formula
=ISERROR(A2/B2)
Expected Result:false

Evaluates ISERROR over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

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

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=ISERROR()

Expected result behavior.

Returns boolean FALSE based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:false
Output Type:Boolean Flag

Best Practices

  • Pair with IF to display informative fallback notes when calculations encounter exceptions.

Common Mistakes

  • In modern Excel, IFERROR is usually preferred because it calculates the expression only once rather than twice.
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 ISERROR 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: =ISERROR(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 ISERROR?↓

In modern Excel, IFERROR is usually preferred because it calculates the expression only once rather than twice.

Does ISERROR work identically in Google Sheets?↓

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