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IFERROR
Logic & error handlingTurn errors into a clean fallback so a model doesn't break.
Difficulty
1What is it?
IFERROR returns a value if a formula errors, and the formula's normal result otherwise. Use it to keep #N/A and #DIV/0! out of a model — but sparingly, because it hides every error, including real mistakes.
2What it looks like
IFERROR(value, value_if_error)- value
- The formula that might error.
- value_if_error
- What to show instead — often 0 or "".
3When you use it
- Show 0 (or blank) instead of #DIV/0! in a ratio.
- Give a lookup a friendly 'Not found' message.
- Stop one bad cell from cascading errors through a model.
4See it in action
Change the inputs — the formula and result update live. Prefer the real thing? Download the Excel file and open it in Excel.
Divide B2 by B3 — and show 0 instead of #DIV/0! when B3 is zero.
=IFERROR(B2/B3, 0)0 (error caught)| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value | Result |
| 2 | Numerator | 0 (error caught) | |
| 3 | Denominator |
The lime cell holds the formula — click it (or any cell) to see its contents in the bar above, just like Excel. Edit the blue cells to watch it recompute.
5Common errors
Hidden bugsIFERROR masks a real typo or broken reference.Fix: Only wrap the part that can legitimately error, and prefer the function's own fallback (e.g. XLOOKUP's if_not_found).
6Better functions & alternatives
- IFNA — Catches only #N/A, so genuine errors still surface.
- IF(ISERROR(…)) — Older pattern; more verbose but explicit.
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