Forum Discussion
#SPILL Error with Workbook Link
I'm using excel to create a timesheet in columns A:K. Columns A:C are using a workbook link, while columns D:J are manually entered for time worked, and column K is a calculated field (sum). This has worked for a while, but I have found that when rows are added to the linked workbook & columns A:C are updated, the data in columns D:J do not move with the row they were originally tied to. In an effort to correct this, I formatted the entire range (A:K) as a table. However, I'm getting a #SPILL error when trying to add the workbook link back cell A7, to auto populate the data in rows A:C.
When I decrease the workbook link range to a single cell (='[Workbook Name]Tab Name'!A5)) I do not get the spill error. However, when I use the entire range (='[Workbook Name]Tab Name'!$A$5:$C:194) I get the #SPILL error. I still get this error when I use a smaller range (='[Workbook Name]Tab Name'!$A$5:$C$5)). I do not get this error when the range is not formatted as table.
Is this a limitation of excel? Or is there another workaround for this?
1 Reply
The #SPILL error in Excel occurs when there is an issue with the automatic calculation and display of spilled array formulas, which are formulas that return multiple results in adjacent cells. In this case, it seems to be related to the workbook link and the use of a table.
Here are a few things you can try to resolve the #SPILL error:
- Check Workbook Link and Range:
- Ensure that the workbook link formula and the referenced range are correct.
- Confirm that there are no extra spaces or characters in the formula.
- Verify that the linked workbook is accessible and the data in the specified range exists.
- Table Headers:
- Ensure that your table has distinct headers in the first row of each column.
- Confirm that the workbook link formula is referencing the correct headers in the table.
- Formula Syntax:
- Double-check the syntax of your workbook link formula. If there are any syntax errors or inconsistencies, it can lead to the #SPILL error.
- Verify that the formula is structured properly, especially when dealing with ranges and array formulas.
- Dynamic Array Formulas:
- Dynamic array formulas, which spill over multiple cells, might not work as expected in certain scenarios. Try using a non-array formula or a different approach to achieve your desired result.
- Excel Updates:
- Ensure that your Excel 365 version is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches. Sometimes, issues with dynamic arrays are resolved in newer versions.
- Table Features:
- If your workbook link formula works without the table but fails within the table, there might be an issue with how the spill range is being handled in the table. Check if any table features are affecting the spill behavior.
Here is an example of a workbook link formula within a table cell that should not result in a #SPILL error:
='[Workbook Name]Tab Name'!$A$5:$C$194
If the issue persists, you may want to consider alternative approaches, such as using Power Query to import and link the data or breaking down the formula into smaller parts to identify where the problem occurs.
If none of these suggestions resolves the issue, there could be a specific interaction between the workbook link formula, table structure, and dynamic arrays that requires further investigation or possibly a workaround. In such cases, consulting with Microsoft support or community forums might provide additional insights. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.
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