Formula comes up as #N/A after data is entered. Yet before that data is entered, it works normally.

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I have a formula that is corrct in syntax but still comes up with an #N/A value.

September 1, 2023, 2:49 am
Erik
Thank you for contacting Microsoft Support. My name is Joko.
September 1, 2023, 2:50 am
Joko Jade

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September 1, 2023, 2:50 am
Joko Jade
Am I speaking with Erik?
September 1, 2023, 2:50 am
Joko Jade

Yes

September 1, 2023, 2:50 am
Erik
Hello Erik. I see here that you need help with Excel code, is that correct?
September 1, 2023, 2:51 am
Joko Jade

Yes. Look at the Patterns tab cell J21.

September 1, 2023, 2:51 am
Erik
I understand. I will do my best to help you or point you to the right direction if needed. Let me see how we can best assist you with this concern.
September 1, 2023, 2:53 am
Joko Jade

The formula is correct. However when I enter in values for AF4 - AF21 on the first tab, the formula comes up with a result of N/A.

September 1, 2023, 2:53 am
Erik

Before we continue further, may I ask for your email address and phone number for verification purposes?

September 1, 2023, 2:53 am
Joko Jade

email address removed for privacy reasons 512-619-4536

September 1, 2023, 2:54 am
Erik
Thank you. I will also provide you a case number for our interaction today. Should you need to contact us back, just provide the case number to the next support advocate. So here is the case number 1056823457.
September 1, 2023, 2:54 am
Joko Jade

Is this the first time that you have contacted Microsoft about this issue?

September 1, 2023, 2:54 am
Joko Jade

Yup. I think this time I found a bug.

September 1, 2023, 2:55 am
Erik
I see. I'll be asking a few more questions to get a better picture of what's happening, and we'll see if we can resolve the issue quickly, is that okay?
September 1, 2023, 2:56 am
Joko Jade

Ok.

September 1, 2023, 2:56 am
Erik
Great! May I know what Office Version do you have? for example, is it Office 365 or Office 2019, just like that?
September 1, 2023, 2:58 am
Joko Jade

365

September 1, 2023, 2:58 am
Erik
Are you using Windows PC?
September 1, 2023, 2:59 am
Joko Jade

Yes.

September 1, 2023, 3:00 am
Erik
Great! Having checked this for you, one of the possible reasons why this issue happened is because the workbook you currently working might have been corrupted, but we will check this for you. I just want to set your expectation that we can perform the necessary or basic troubleshooting methods in order to fix the issue, and if the issue still persist after performing those methods, then you might need to post this issue on our community group, so the specialist for this kind of issue can help you on what to do. Okay?
September 1, 2023, 3:04 am
Joko Jade

I am not a community poster. That's why when I really get stuck, I rely on you al to do the research on that.

September 1, 2023, 3:05 am
Erik

Also, if you eleminate the data from that last column, it works perfectly. but if that column is populated, it goes wonky.

September 1, 2023, 3:07 am
Erik
I will check this for you, But, I just want to set your expectation that I am only a technical support for the apps if there are any technical issues, and the codes are handled by our Community.
September 1, 2023, 3:07 am
Joko Jade

Since you have an active Microsoft 365 subscription, you're entitled to free Office support.

September 1, 2023, 3:07 am
Joko Jade

Whatever. I've gotten help like this before without having to turn to a community.

September 1, 2023, 3:08 am
Erik

Would it be okay if I connect to your computer for me to better check the issue? We would use Quick Assist app, so I could remotely access your device.

September 1, 2023, 3:08 am
Joko Jade

Ok.

September 1, 2023, 3:08 am
Erik
Great! Please note that Quick Assist is a Windows app that provides remote assistance access to the customer's PC to resolved system related issues. This will allow us to view your computer for troubleshooting. At any point if you feel uncomfortable, you can end the remote session by selecting the X button. Once we've started our session, I will have the ability to view your screen. Please close any windows that may contain sensitive data before sharing your screen. Minimize or close documents and applications unrelated to this service, I ask that you remain present and engaged while I have control as I will need to terminate the session if you move away. Please take a moment to review the Terms of Use on this page: https://aka.ms/help
 
September 1, 2023, 3:08 am
Joko Jade

Please press CRTL + Windows key + Q simultaneously to open Quick Assist app.

September 1, 2023, 3:09 am
Joko Jade
Please open the app first then I will give you a code.
September 1, 2023, 3:09 am
Joko Jade

It's open.

September 1, 2023, 3:09 am
Erik
Here is the code S178VZ.
September 1, 2023, 3:09 am
Joko Jade
I can now see your screen. Can show me the issue?
September 1, 2023, 3:10 am
Joko Jade

Okay. Watch closely.

September 1, 2023, 3:10 am
Erik

As you can see, it works normally.

September 1, 2023, 3:11 am
Erik
Can you show it again, and take it slowly.
September 1, 2023, 3:11 am
Joko Jade

**bleep**. I said watch closely.

September 1, 2023, 3:12 am
Erik

Normal flow here.

September 1, 2023, 3:12 am
Erik

The highlighted cell is calculating correctly. because the cell it's referencing is working normally.

September 1, 2023, 3:13 am
Erik
May I know what formula is not working? can you send it here?
September 1, 2023, 3:13 am
Joko Jade

=IFS(AND(E64>=MIN(0.9),E64<=MAX(0.999)),"A",AND(E64>=MIN(0.8),E64<=MAX(0.899)),"B",AND(E64>=MIN(0.7),E64<=MAX(0.799)),"C",AND(E64>=MIN(0.6),E64<=MAX(0.699)),"D",AND(E64>=MIN(0.001),E64<=MAX(0.599)),"F",E64="","N/A",E64=1,"A+")

September 1, 2023, 3:13 am
Erik

Now. I'm going to populate that last column.

September 1, 2023, 3:14 am
Erik

Okay. That last column is populated.

September 1, 2023, 3:14 am
Erik

There's yur error. Even though the cell it's referencing is working normally. Get it?

September 1, 2023, 3:15 am
Erik
I see. Can I take over?
September 1, 2023, 3:15 am
Joko Jade

Sure.

September 1, 2023, 3:15 am
Erik
Thanks.
September 1, 2023, 3:15 am
Joko Jade
May I know where is the data of your overall asset?
September 1, 2023, 3:20 am
Joko Jade

What do you mean? I showed you the data flow so to speak.

September 1, 2023, 3:21 am
Erik

That cell is based on the calculation of #64. Right on that same sheet.

September 1, 2023, 3:23 am
Erik

Can I try something right quick before you really get stupid here?

September 1, 2023, 3:28 am
Erik
Sure.
September 1, 2023, 3:28 am
Joko Jade

Nope. I populated the data into the template. Same result. You have a bug. The formulas are correct.

September 1, 2023, 3:31 am
Erik

That's interesting. An earlier spreadsheet has normal functionality. The question is, if I never made any changes to references or formulas, why the strange behavior?

September 1, 2023, 3:32 am
Erik
I see that you are trying to get the overall average of the asset right?
September 1, 2023, 3:33 am
Joko Jade

Yeah. There's a deeper root cause hhere.

September 1, 2023, 3:33 am
Erik

Yes.

September 1, 2023, 3:33 am
Erik

But did you see I pulled earlier workbooks with 31 days recorded and it worked?

September 1, 2023, 3:34 am
Erik
Yes, I see, that means it is a file specific problem, and it needs to post it on our community or Feedback Hub. But if the codes are not working in a different workbook that means there is a problem with the actual excel app, and that the time we can troubleshoot it.
September 1, 2023, 3:37 am
Joko Jade

Hmmm.

September 1, 2023, 3:38 am
Erik

The problem is, I haven't really copywrited these workbooks. I really don't want my ideas stolen here.

September 1, 2023, 3:41 am
Erik
If the formula is working on a different spreadsheet/workbook, that means to say that this is a file specific problem. As I mentioned earlier, we are Office technical support where our goal is to ensure that all your Office apps will be up and running/function as expected. Now, here are couple of things you can do from here like copying some of the contents and perform the same formula on a new file, or try a whole different file. I get your point that that's the same formula that was used for the past 30 days however, there are limited troubleshooting steps that can be performed and we have check some of the options/settings enabled and they appear to be in the right place.
September 1, 2023, 3:44 am
Joko Jade
One of the possible root reasons for this to happen is the probably one of the referance cell used on the formula was changed for some reason etc.
September 1, 2023, 3:45 am
Joko Jade

Yeah, I have a problem with that explanation thogh in that how would additional data change that formula or the cell characteristics, especially when the data is being referenced origonally from another page.

September 1, 2023, 3:47 am
Erik

And why would it be normal in a previous workbook, but corrupted in the master which wasn't changed at all?

September 1, 2023, 3:47 am
Erik

So this must have happened betwen July and now. When I do a new monthly spreadsheet, I open the master as my template and save it as the current month, then populate it day by day.

September 1, 2023, 3:48 am
Erik
As there is nothing wrong with the Excel app, and the error is with the codes. The best way for you to get an support about this is by starting a new discussion on Our Excel Community, you can use this link: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/excel/bd-p/ExcelGeneral 
September 1, 2023, 3:52 am
Joko Jade

Okay.

September 1, 2023, 3:53 am
Erik
I hope you understand that I am only able to troubleshoot the app, if it have a problem, but I am not able to troubleshoot the file itself.
September 1, 2023, 3:54 am
Joko Jade
I hope you understand.
September 1, 2023, 3:54 am
Joko Jade

I will now end the remote session so you can have your privacy back.

September 1, 2023, 3:55 am
Joko Jade

Thank you.

September 1, 2023, 3:55 am
Erik
You're very welcome. Also, I'll send you the summary of your case today as well as helpful links related to your issue as your reference.
September 1, 2023, 3:56 am
Joko Jade

Thank you.

September 1, 2023, 3:56 am
Erik
I hope I became helpful on giving you the link where you can have a discussion with the correct support.
September 1, 2023, 3:56 am
Joko Jade

Since I was able to provide you enough information that you need for today, can we close this case?

September 1, 2023, 3:57 am
Joko Jade

For now, I suppose.

September 1, 2023, 3:57 am
Erik
Thank you. Your feedback is important to us. Please stay in this chat window to tell us about your experience.
September 1, 2023, 3:57 am
Joko Jade

Thank you for contacting Microsoft Support. This has been Joko. Have a great day and keep safe.

September 1, 2023, 3:57 am
Joko Jade

Sure.

September 1, 2023, 3:57 am
Erik
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 Replies

@Erik Stearns 

In your message seems you had a chat session with Microsoft Support regarding an Excel formula issue. Unfortunately, I could not find a specific question or issue in your conversation.

It appears that you have an Excel formula that was working correctly until data was entered, at which point it started displaying "#N/A." This issue could be due to various reasons, and troubleshooting it may require examining the specific formula and the data you entered.

Here are some common reasons why a formula might display "#N/A" after data entry and steps to troubleshoot the issue:

  1. Data Types: Ensure that the data types in the formula and the entered data are compatible. For example, if your formula expects numbers and you enter text or non-numeric values, it can result in "#N/A." Check that the data types match the formula's requirements.
  2. Missing Data: If your formula relies on data from other cells, check if any of the referenced cells contain errors or missing data. Ensure that all necessary data is present and accurate.
  3. Lookup Functions: If you are using lookup functions like VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH, ensure that the lookup value exists in the lookup range. If there is no match, these functions can return "#N/A." Double-check your lookup criteria.
  4. Calculation Options: Check your Excel calculation settings. Go to "Formulas" > "Calculation Options" and ensure that it is set to "Automatic." Manual calculation mode may cause formulas not to update automatically.
  5. Error Handling: If your formula contains error-handling functions like IFERROR, verify that the error-handling logic is correctly implemented. Sometimes, the error is masked by the error-handling function.
  6. Data Formatting: Ensure that the data you entered is formatted consistently. Sometimes, formatting differences can affect calculations.
  7. Named Ranges: If your formula relies on named ranges, confirm that the named ranges are correctly defined and include the necessary data.
  8. Conditional Formatting: Check if you have any conditional formatting rules applied to the cells involved in the formula. These rules can affect the display of data and may cause unexpected results.
  9. Formula References: Make sure that your formula references are correct. If you copied or moved the formula, ensure that it still refers to the correct cells and ranges.
  10. Circular References: Circular references can lead to calculation errors, including "#N/A." Check for circular references in your workbook and resolve them.
  11. Data Validation: If your worksheet has data validation rules, ensure that the entered data complies with those rules. Invalid data can result in errors.
  12. Check for Errors in the Data Entry: Review the data you entered for any obvious errors or inconsistencies that might affect the formula's results.

If you can provide the specific formula and details about the data you entered, I can offer more targeted assistance. Additionally, double-checking each of the above points should help you identify and resolve the "#N/A" issue in your Excel workbook.The text and steps were created with the help of AI.

 

My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

 

Hope this will help you.

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@Erik Stearns 

Is it possible to provide sample file which illustrates an issue mentioning on which Excel platform/version you are?