Quick Answer

IFERROR Function

IFERROR catches errors and returns a custom value instead.

Syntax

IFERROR

(value, value_if_error)

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
value	The formula to check for errors.	Required
value_if_error	The value to return if the formula results in an error.	Required

Basic Example

Handle division by zero

=IFERROR(A1/B1, "Cannot divide by zero")

ResultCannot divide by zero

Returns "Cannot divide by zero" when B1 is 0.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Handle VLOOKUP errors

Lookup with fallback

Show friendly message when VLOOKUP fails

=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(A1, B:C, 2, FALSE), "Not found")

Result: Not found

Returns "Not found" when VLOOKUP returns #N/A.

How IFERROR Works

IFERROR evaluates the first argument. If it results in any error (#N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, etc.), it returns the second argument.

1

Enter formula

Type your formula normally.

2

Wrap with IFERROR

Wrap it with IFERROR and provide a fallback value.

3

Press Enter

The result shows the formula output or fallback.

Important Notes & Limitations

IFERROR catches ALL errors.
For catching only #N/A errors, use IFNA instead.

Common Errors & Fixes

#VALUE!Missing arguments

Fix: Ensure both arguments are provided.

Download Practice File

Practice IFERROR with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the IFERROR function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

AND

AND checks if ALL conditions are TRUE.

FALSE

Returns the logical value FALSE.

IF

IF checks a condition and returns different values based on whether it is true or false.

IFNA

Replaces #N/A errors with a fallback value.

IFS

A simpler way to write multiple IF statements without nesting.

NOT

NOT flips TRUE to FALSE and FALSE to TRUE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What errors does IFERROR catch?

IFERROR catches #N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, #DIV/0!, #NUM!, #NAME?, #NULL!.

What is the difference between IFERROR and IFNA?

IFERROR catches all errors; IFNA only catches #N/A errors.