How to correct a #REF! error

The following example uses the formula =SUM(B2,C2,D2) in column E.

If you were to delete column B, C or D it would cause a #REF! error. In this case we'll delete column C (2007 Sales), and the formula now reads =SUM(B2,#REF!,C2). When you use explicit cell references like this (where you reference each cell individually, separated by a comma) and delete a referenced row or column, Excel can’t resolve it, so it returns the #REF! error. This is the primary reason why using explicit cell references in functions is not recommended.

Solution

• If you accidentally deleted rows or columns, you can immediately select the Undo button on the Quick Access Toolbar (or press CTRL+Z) to restore them.

• Adjust the formula so that it uses a range reference instead of individual cells, like =SUM(B2:D2). Now you could delete any column within the sum range and Excel will automatically adjust the formula. You could also use =SUM(B2:B5) for a sum of rows.

In the following example, =VLOOKUP(A8,A2:D5,5,FALSE) will return a #REF! error because it’s looking for a value to return from column 5, but the reference range is A:D, which is only 4 columns.

Solution

Adjust the range to be larger or reduce the column lookup value to match the reference range. =VLOOKUP(A8,A2:E5,5,FALSE) would be a valid reference range, as would =VLOOKUP(A8,A2:D5,4,FALSE).

In this example, the formula =INDEX(B2:E5,5,5) returns a #REF! error because the INDEX range is 4 rows by 4 columns, but the formula is asking to return what’s in the 5th row and 5th column.

Solution

Adjust the row or column references so they're inside the INDEX lookup range. =INDEX(B2:E5,4,4) would return a valid result.

In the following example, an INDIRECT function is attempting to reference a workbook that’s closed, causing a #REF! error.

Solution

Open the referenced workbook. You'll encounter the same error if you reference a closed workbook with a dynamic array function.

Structured references to table and column names in linked workbooks aren’t supported.

Calculated references to linked workbooks aren’t supported.

Moving or deleting cells caused an invalid cell reference, or function is returning reference error.

If you have used an Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) link that is returning a #REF! error, then start the program that the link is calling.

Note: OLE is a technology that you can use to share information between programs.

If you have used a Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) topic that is returning a #REF! error, first check to make sure you’re referencing the correct topic. If you're still receiving a #REF! error, check your Trust Center Settings for external content as outlined in Block or unblock external content in Microsoft 365 documents.

Note: Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) is an established protocol for exchanging data between Microsoft Windows-based programs.