Function reference

IFERROR in Excel & Google Sheets

IFERROR is used in 1 formula pattern in this library. Browse worked examples below, or use the generator to build a custom variation for your specific data.

1 beginnerBuild a custom IFERROR formula →

When to use IFERROR

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Worked examples (1)

Data Cleaningbeginner

Suppress formula errors with IFERROR

=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(A2,$F$2:$G$20,2,FALSE),"-")

Open formula IFERROR reference

Common errors with IFERROR

IFERROR hides real bugs

IFERROR catches all errors including formula mistakes. Use it only once the underlying formula is verified correct — otherwise you risk hiding logic errors silently.

Using IFERROR around VLOOKUP for missing lookups

This is the most common use case and is correct. For XLOOKUP, use the built-in fourth argument instead — XLOOKUP(A2,range,result,"Not found").

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between IFERROR and IFNA?

IFNA catches only #N/A errors. IFERROR catches all error types. Use IFNA when you want other errors (like #VALUE or #REF) to surface as real alerts.

Need a custom variation?

Describe your specific IFERROR problem and get a formula written for your exact data.

Open generator with IFERROR