Using IFERROR in your Excel formulas allows you to easily catch and deal with errors or invalid results. Mastering this function can improve spreadsheet reliability and help avoid messy #VALUE, #REF, #DIV0, and other formula errors.
What Does the IFERROR Function Do?
The IFERROR function lets you perform a test within a formula to check if another part of the formula results in an error.
If the test value does not contain an error, IFERROR simply returns that result. But if there is an error, you can specify what value or message to output instead of failing.
This makes it an extremely versatile error handling tool in Excel formulas.
Top Uses of IFERROR in Excel
IFERROR makes your spreadsheets more stable and maintains visibility even when source data is incomplete. Try these popular examples:
1. Catch Blank Cell Errors
Wrap IFERROR around references prone to #REF! errors:
Now instead of failing on blank cells, it safely shows your custom message.
2. Filter Error Values
Filter lists to exclude errors from views:
Quickly see which cells contain #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, etc. filtered out in Excel.
3. Hide Zero Errors
Avoid ugly #DIV/0! blanks in formulas:
Simply return a blank for divided-by-zero errors vs showing volatile error values.
Start using IFERROR anytime you want to output something more meaningful when errors pop up in Excel. It provides a safety net across many use cases.
Let me know if you have any other questions about leveraging IFERROR for better error handling in Excel formulas!