The Google Sheets function ERROR.TYPE is a valuable tool for identifying the types of errors present in spreadsheet cells. By returning a numerical code corresponding to specific error values, users can effectively diagnose issues and enhance their data handling capabilities. This function is particularly beneficial in large datasets where identifying and addressing errors promptly is crucial for accurate data analysis.

Syntax

ERROR.TYPE(error_value)

• error_value: The cell reference or value that you want to check for error types.

Example #1

ERROR.TYPE(A1)

This function checks cell A1 for an error and returns a number indicating the error type. For example, if A1 contains the DIV/0! error, the result would be 2.

Example #2

ERROR.TYPE(B2)

This command evaluates cell B2 for any errors. If B2 contains the VALUE! error, the result will be 3, indicating that the value type is incorrect.

Example #3

ERROR.TYPE(C3)

By executing this function, you can inspect cell C3. If C3 shows the REF! error (indicating an invalid cell reference), the result would be 4.

Error handling

• N/A: The function returns N/A if the referenced cell does not contain an error.
• VALUE!: This error occurs if the input is not a valid reference or value.
• REF!: This means the reference is invalid, possibly due to deletion of the referenced cell.
• DIV/0!: This error signifies that a division operation was attempted by zero.

Conclusion

In summary, the ERROR.TYPE function in Google Sheets is an essential tool for detecting and categorizing errors within your data. By returning numerical codes for various error types, it aids users in pinpointing issues for effective troubleshooting. Incorporating this function into your data analysis workflow can significantly improve accuracy and efficiency.