Logical
IFERROR
Definition
IFERROR returns a fallback value when a formula results in an error, and the formula result otherwise.
Syntax
=IFERROR(value, value_if_error)
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
value |
The formula to try, such as a divide. |
value_if_error |
What to show instead when that formula returns an error. Text must sit in double quotes. |
Worked example
A mill divides bags packed by hours worked. Bags are in A2:A4 and hours are in B2:B4.
| A: Bags | B: Hours |
|---|---|
| 8 | 0 |
| 12 | 4 |
| 9 | 3 |
Formula: =IFERROR(A2/B2,"n/a")
Result: n/a. 8 divided by 0 is #DIV/0!, so IFERROR returns the fallback text. Filled down, the formula gives n/a, 3, and 3.
Practice
Cell A2 holds 10 and cell B2 holds 0. In C2, write a formula that divides A2 by B2 and returns 0 if that divide results in an error.
- In C2, write an IFERROR formula that divides A2 by B2 and shows 0 on error.
- C2 should show A2 divided by B2, or 0 on error.
Related functions
IF can branch on a test you write yourself, and NOT can flip that test. IFERROR branches only on whether the inner formula errored.
Common mistake
Using IFERROR to hide every error, including a mistyped range: the fallback appears and the real mistake stays out of sight.