The ISERR function in Excel is a useful tool for identifying errors in data entries. It specifically checks if a cell contains an error value, excluding the N/A error, and returns TRUE if it does. This function is valuable for error handling and data validation in complex spreadsheets.

Syntax

ISERR(value)

• value: The cell or data entry you want to check for errors except for N/A.

Example #1

=ISERR(A1)

This function checks cell A1 for any error value except N/A. If A1 contains an error like DIV/0!, the result will be TRUE; if it contains a valid number or N/A, the result will be FALSE.

Example #2

=ISERR(B2)

This checks if the value in cell B2 is an error. If B2 has the value VALUE!, the function returns TRUE; otherwise, it returns FALSE if B2 holds a valid number or N/A.

Example #3

=ISERR(C3)

Here, the function assesses cell C3 for error values. If C3 equals REF!, then the function yields TRUE; if it shows N/A or a valid result, it returns FALSE.

Error handling

• DIV/0!: This error occurs when a number is divided by zero.
• VALUE!: This indicates that a value is of the wrong type, such as text instead of a number.
• REF!: This error means the cell reference is invalid, often due to a deleted cell.
• NAME?: This shows that Excel is unrecognizable or that a named range is not defined.
• NUM!: Occurs when a calculation results in a number that is too large or too small in context.
• N/A: This means a value is not available; however, this is specifically excluded by the ISERR function.

Conclusion

In summary, the ISERR function is an essential tool in Excel for detecting various types of errors, enabling users to manage their data more effectively. By excluding the N/A error, it allows a focused analysis of more common issues that can arise in spreadsheets. Utilizing ISERR can enhance your ability to maintain clean and error-free data.