ISERR

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the ISERR function in Microsoft Excel. The ISERR function is a useful tool for identifying errors in your spreadsheet, allowing you to quickly pinpoint and resolve any issues. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of the ISERR function, its syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, and related formulae.

ISERR Syntax

The ISERR function in Excel is used to test if a given value is an error, excluding the #N/A error. The function returns TRUE if the value is an error and FALSE if it is not. The syntax for the ISERR function is as follows:

=ISERR(value)

Where “value” is the value or reference to a cell that you want to test for an error.

ISERR Examples

Let’s look at some examples of how to use the ISERR function in Excel:

Example 1: Basic usage of the ISERR function

Suppose you have a formula in cell A1 that returns an error, such as #DIV/0! or #VALUE!. To check if the cell contains an error, you can use the following formula:

=ISERR(A1)

If cell A1 contains an error other than #N/A, the formula will return TRUE. Otherwise, it will return FALSE.

Example 2: Combining ISERR with other functions

You can also use the ISERR function in combination with other functions to handle errors more effectively. For example, suppose you have a formula in cell A1 that divides two numbers, and you want to display “Error” if the result is an error:

=IF(ISERR(A1), “Error”, A1)

This formula checks if the value in cell A1 is an error using the ISERR function. If it is, the formula returns “Error”; otherwise, it returns the value in cell A1.

ISERR Tips & Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the ISERR function:

1. Use the ISERR function to identify and handle errors in your spreadsheet more effectively. By checking for errors before performing calculations, you can prevent errors from propagating through your worksheet.
2. Combine the ISERR function with other error-checking functions like ISERROR, IFERROR, and IFNA to handle different types of errors in your spreadsheet.
3. Remember that the ISERR function does not identify the #N/A error. If you need to check for this specific error, use the ISNA function instead.

Common Mistakes When Using ISERR

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the ISERR function:

1. Not understanding the difference between ISERR and ISERROR: While both functions check for errors, ISERR does not identify the #N/A error, whereas ISERROR does. Make sure you use the appropriate function for your needs.
2. Using ISERR to check for the #N/A error: As mentioned earlier, the ISERR function does not identify the #N/A error. If you need to check for this error, use the ISNA function instead.
3. Not using the ISERR function in combination with other functions: To handle errors more effectively, combine the ISERR function with other error-checking functions like IFERROR and IFNA.

Why Isn’t My ISERR Working?

If your ISERR function is not working as expected, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Check the syntax of your formula: Make sure you have entered the correct syntax for the ISERR function, including the correct number of arguments.
2. Ensure you are using the correct function: If you are trying to check for the #N/A error, remember that the ISERR function does not identify this error. Use the ISNA function instead.
3. Verify the value or reference you are testing: Make sure the value or cell reference you are testing with the ISERR function is correct and contains an error other than #N/A.

ISERR: Related Formulae

Here are some related formulae that you may find useful when working with the ISERR function:

1. ISERROR: This function checks if a value is any error, including #N/A. The syntax is =ISERROR(value).
2. ISNA: This function checks if a value is the #N/A error. The syntax is =ISNA(value).
3. IFERROR: This function returns a specified value if the formula results in an error, and the original value if it does not. The syntax is =IFERROR(value, value_if_error).
4. IFNA: This function returns a specified value if the formula results in a #N/A error, and the original value if it does not. The syntax is =IFNA(value, value_if_na).
5. ERROR.TYPE: This function returns a number corresponding to the error type of a given value. The syntax is =ERROR.TYPE(value).

In conclusion, the ISERR function is a valuable tool for identifying and handling errors in your Excel spreadsheets. By understanding its syntax, examples, tips and tricks, common mistakes, and related formulae, you can effectively use the ISERR function to improve the accuracy and reliability of your worksheets.