Use of ISERROR in spreadsheets

The ISERROR function can be used in spreadsheets to automatically locate the cell that generated an error. This saves time and makes it possible to take alternative action. The main function of the ISERROR is thus to ensure cleaner spreadsheets.

The ISERROR function is especially useful for the #DIV/0! error identification. It can be combined with the IF statement to help you take an alternative action when an error occurs.

A True value will be returned if the argument shows an error. If the opposite is the case it will return a False value. The syntax for the ISERROR is:

=ISERROR(range)

The Dividing by Zero (#DIV/0!) error as mentioned earlier is caused when you try divide by using a zero. The ISERROR is useful for the generation of cleaner spreadsheets in this case, especially when you expect specific errors, but don’t want them to influence the appearance of a specific model.

Apart from the combination with the IF function you can also combine it with the NOT function. The idea is to also be able to ignore cells that contain the specific error message. To apply this function you will select the range where the numbers appear for instance, B2:B:8 and then type the function. Press Cntrl+Shift+Enter at the specific cell and this will then apply the function. In practice when you apply it to a range where the SUM is used it can look like this when combined with NOT and IF:

=SUM(IF(NOT(ISERROR(B2:B8)),B2:B8,""))

View our step by step video tutorial for working with the ISERROR in spreadsheets.