What you will build

Reproduce the #VALUE! errors case on a small table, identify the cause, and verify the corrected formula or input returns the expected result.

Learning objectives

Open the practice workbook

HANDS-ON PRACTICE

Practice in your own copy

Make your own Google Sheets copy with the same data, formulas, formatting, filter and frozen header. The original remains unchanged.

Make a Google Sheets copy (access required) ↗View original

Sign in to Google. If the original is not publicly shared, download the full workbook and import it into Google Sheets, or paste the example data into your own sheet.

The Google Sheets practice table before formulas are entered; both result cells are blank.

Hands-on practice

Step 1: Select D2 and enter =VALUE("abc"). Because abc is not numeric text, the result must be #VALUE!.

Step 2: Check the type of the input before changing the formula. VALUE works for text such as "120", not arbitrary words.

Step 3: Enter =IFERROR(VALUE("abc"),"Check text") in E2 and confirm the message appears. For real data, clean the source text rather than relying on a fallback everywhere.

=VALUE("abc")
Cell D2 is selected with =VALUE("abc") in the formula bar and #VALUE! in the sheet.

Enter the formula in D2.

=IFERROR(VALUE("abc"),"Check text")
Cell E2 is selected with the IFERROR formula in the formula bar and Check text in the sheet.

Enter the formula in E2.

Checkpoint

CaseInput AInput BBroken resultFixed result
Example100#VALUE!Check text

Checkpoint: D2 displays #VALUE! from =VALUE("abc"); E2 displays Check text from the IFERROR formula.

Common mistakes and fixes

Correction: return to the exact range and command named in the steps, then compare the live sheet with the Case, Input A, Input B, Broken result, Fixed result source fields.

Independent practice

Add one row with the same schema, repeat the action, verify the new row behaves correctly, then remove it to restore the sample.

Key takeaways

  • ✓Reproduce the #VALUE! errors case on a small table, identify the cause, and verify the corrected formula or input returns the expected result.
  • ✓Select D2 and enter =VALUE("abc"). Because abc is not numeric text, the result must be #VALUE!.
  • ✓Check the type of the input before changing the formula. VALUE works for text such as "120", not arbitrary words.
  • ✓Keep the broken example visible while testing the correction. If the fixed cell still errors, compare references and input types instead of typing a replacement value over the formula.
  • ✓Add one row with the same schema, repeat the action, verify the new row behaves correctly, then remove it to restore the sample.
QUICK CHECK

Check your understanding

Answer four questions about the practice sheet.

1. What is the correct first action in “Fix #VALUE! errors”?
2. Which follow-up action belongs to “Fix #VALUE! errors”?
3. What should you verify before “Fix #VALUE! errors” is complete?
4. Which correction is appropriate if “Fix #VALUE! errors” behaves unexpectedly?

Next lesson

Continue in recommended learning order with Design headers and data types for Class attendance.