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How to Fix The Formula Parse Error On Google Sheets

It means Google Sheets can’t interpret the formula

6 min. read

Updated onNovember 20, 2023

updated onNovember 20, 2023

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If you are stuck with the Formula parse error while working on a workbook in Google Sheets, this guide can help!

We will explore the meaning of this error and offer different ways to avoid or fix this generic error message in no time.

What does the Formula parse error mean?

The Formula parse error occurs when Google Sheets cannot fulfill the formula request, returning an error message. It could happen due to:

How can I fix the common Formula parse error in Google Sheets?

1. #ERROR! – The entry doesn’t make sense

The #ERROR! message means Google Sheets can’t interpret the formula as it doesn’t make sense; check the red triangle in the right-hand corner of the cell to get more information.

To fix it, check these things:

Also, when you start typing the formula, Google Sheets suggests the correct one, and you get to see the variable you need and how the formula will work, so use it instead of typing.

2. #REF! error – The reference doesn’t exist

Google Sheets throws you the #REF! error when a reference doesn’t exist or a sheet that contains it is deleted.

First, check the formula for all the references to ensure you have selected the correct ones. If not, replace all the invalid ones.

However, if a reference is missing from the sheet, you can review the previous versions of a file in Google Sheets for reference; you can launch the older version to check if removing the reference was the last action you performed.

If that’s the case, you can pressCtrl+Zto reverse the action. Alternatively, you can replace the previous iterations of the file with the current one.

3. #N/A error – The item was not found

If a formula doesn’t find what it looks for, Google Sheets throws you a #N/A error. For example, if you are using the VLOOKUP/HLOOKUP function to search for a value in the table, and it doesn’t exist in the table, you will get the error.

To fix it, check these things:

4. #NAME? error – Applying a label incorrectly

Google Sheets displays this error if you have used an incorrect spelling or invalid name in a formula. For example, if you have a category with the nameDue Datesbut usedDue Datein the formula, you will get the error.

To fix it, follow these steps:

In case you are facing issues with#NAME! error on Microsoft Excel, there could be many things to check; read this guide to learn about it!

5. #DIV/0! error – You are trying to divide by zero

#DIV/0! error appears when you try to divide a value by zero. If you have done it mistakenly, you can remove the zero from the denominator.

However, if a formula applied to the sheet is the culprit, use the IF operator to tell the operation to perform division only if the number is larger than 0.

You can also get this error while using the Average formula, so to fix it, check the range selected and make the changes accordingly.

6. #NUM! error – The number is too large to display

If you enter invalid numeric values in a formula or have a result that has a value that is beyond the capability of Google Sheets to calculate or display, you see #NUM! error.

To fix it, double-check the calculations to ensure you have not included negative integers or invalid values in the formula.

7. #VALUE! error – The invalid item type

Google Sheets throws you the #VALUE error if the formula gets the wrong data type as an input or you have spaces in empty cells.

To fix it, follow these steps:

If you are stuck with the#VALUE! error on Microsoft Excel, we have a great guide with tips that might interest you.

Tips to avoid the Formula parse error in Google Sheets

Keep these little tips in mind and keep the wrong syntax and cell references to disrupt your entire sheet on Google Sheets.

If you often work with graphs and want the objective representation of your data to observe any differences in measurements, you mustadd error bars to the sheet; read this guide to know how!

Did our post help you fix the problem? Feel free to mention your experience, or you can ask questions or leave your suggestions in the comments section below.

How to Fix The Formula Parse Error On Google Sheets#

How can I fix the common Formula parse error in Google Sheets?#

1. #ERROR! – The entry doesn’t make sense#

2. #REF! error – The reference doesn’t exist#

3. #N/A error – The item was not found#

4. #NAME? error – Applying a label incorrectly#

5. #DIV/0! error – You are trying to divide by zero#

6. #NUM! error – The number is too large to display#

7. #VALUE! error – The invalid item type#

Tips to avoid the Formula parse error in Google Sheets#