Excel error checker
Find every broken formula in a workbook — error values, formulas that don’t match the rest of their column, and numbers typed over formulas. Mindy explains each one and suggests the fix.
- Free
- No sign-up
- Your file stays in your browser
- Powered by Claude
What the error checker looks for
Error values are the obvious problems. The quiet ones — a formula that breaks its column’s pattern, a number typed over a formula — do more damage because nobody notices.
| Problem | Usual cause |
|---|---|
| #DIV/0! | Dividing by zero or by an empty cell. |
| #N/A | A lookup couldn’t find the value it was looking for. |
| #REF! | The formula points at cells that were deleted, or a column number outside the lookup range. |
| #VALUE! | Text where a number was expected, such as “$1,200” stored as text. |
| #NAME? | A misspelled function, a missing quote around text or a function your Excel version doesn’t have. |
| #NUM!, #NULL!, #SPILL! | An impossible calculation, a stray space between ranges, or a dynamic array blocked by other cells. |
| Doesn’t match its column | One row uses =E14*F14 where every other row uses =E14*G14, usually after a copy-paste or a rushed edit. |
| Typed-in number | A formula was overwritten with a fixed value, so it stops updating when the inputs change. |
Want the background? Read Excel formula errors explained.
Fixes you can paste
Mindy explains each problem in plain English and suggests a corrected formula — often the pattern the rest of the column already uses.
- Checks every formula on the sheet, not just the visible ones
- Skips total rows at the bottom so they aren’t flagged as odd ones out
- Your workbook is never changed; copy a fix and paste it into Excel
- Switch sheets from the workspace toolbar to check the next one
Excel Error Checker questions
Which errors does it find?
Error values (#REF!, #N/A, #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #NAME?, #NUM!, #NULL!, #SPILL!), formulas that contain broken #REF! references, formulas that don’t match the pattern used by the rest of their column, and numbers typed over cells that should be formulas.
Does it work with CSV files?
No. CSV files only contain values, so there are no formulas to check. Use an .xlsx, .xlsm or .xls workbook.
Does it change my workbook?
No. It reads the workbook and suggests fixes. Copy a suggested formula and paste it into Excel yourself.
How does Mindy explain errors?
For each problem, Mindy explains the likely cause in plain English and suggests a corrected formula, often based on the pattern the rest of the column uses.
Does it check every sheet?
It checks one sheet at a time. Pick another sheet from the menu at the top of the workspace to check it.
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Do the whole job in one place.
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