# Excel ERROR.TYPE Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/excel/error-type-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The =ERROR.TYPE(error\_val) formula identifies specific error types in Excel, aiding in effective data troubleshooting and analysis. ```excel =ERROR.TYPE(error_val) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the ERROR.TYPE you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula Need more than a single ERROR.TYPE formula? Try our free [AI for Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) — it reads your entire spreadsheet, answers questions in plain English, and builds charts and analysis in the same chat. ## Parameters **`error_val`**:\ The value or reference to a cell that contains the error you want to evaluate. This can be a specific error value (like `#DIV/0!`, `#N/A`, etc.) or a reference to a cell that returns an error. ## What is an ERROR.TYPE Formula in Excel? The *ERROR.TYPE* function in Excel is a useful tool that helps you identify the type of error that has occurred in a formula or function. It returns a number corresponding to a specific error type, allowing you to diagnose issues in your calculations and data analysis. In simpler terms, the ERROR.TYPE function provides a way to understand what went wrong in your Excel formulas, making it easier to troubleshoot and correct errors. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are working on a financial report, and you have the following data in an Excel spreadsheet: ### Financial Data Table: | Item | Cost | Quantity | | - | - | - | | Product A | 50 | 2 | | Product B | #DIV/0! | 5 | | Product C | 30 | 0 | | Product D | 20 | #VALUE! | | Product E | 10 | 3 | You want to check for errors in the "Cost" column to understand if any calculations are failing. ## ERROR.TYPE Formula To identify the type of error for the cost of "Product B", you would use the ERROR.TYPE formula as follows: ```excel =ERROR.TYPE(B2) ``` ### Breakdown of the Formula: - **B2**: This is the cell reference where you want to check for an error. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the formula to the cell containing the cost of "Product B", which has a #DIV/0! error, the output would be: | Error Type for Product B | | - | | 2 | Here, the number 2 indicates that the error is a division by zero error. ## Why Use ERROR.TYPE? The ERROR.TYPE function is particularly useful when you need to diagnose errors in your formulas without manually checking each one. It allows you to quickly identify the nature of the problem, making it easier to correct and ensure accurate calculations. ## Key Takeaways: - **ERROR.TYPE**: Identifies the type of error in a formula or function. - **Efficient Troubleshooting**: Helps you quickly diagnose issues without manual checking. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for error handling in financial reports, data analysis, and any scenario where formulas may fail. Understanding how to use the ERROR.TYPE function can significantly enhance your ability to troubleshoot and correct errors in Excel, ensuring your data analysis remains accurate and reliable. Happy troubleshooting! ## Example use case You have a spreadsheet that tracks various calculations across different cells, and you want to identify any errors that may arise from these calculations. By using the ERROR.TYPE function, you can quickly determine the type of error present in a specific cell, such as #DIV/0! or #VALUE!. This allows you to troubleshoot and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring that your data analysis remains accurate and reliable without needing to manually inspect each cell for errors. **Beyond the ERROR.TYPE function:** Better Analyst is a full [Excel AI](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) that goes well past individual formulas. Upload any spreadsheet and ask questions in plain English — you'll get formulas, data analysis, and charts back in seconds. It's a free [AI Excel assistant](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) that works with any .xlsx, .xls, or .csv file — no plugins, no Microsoft 365 required. Don't have a spreadsheet yet? 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[Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Excel how-to guides - [How To Unhide Columns In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-unhide-all-columns-in-excel) - [How To Unhide Rows In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-unhide-all-rows-in-excel) - [How To Unprotect Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-unprotect-excel) - [How To Wrap Text In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-wrap-text-in-excel) - [Excel Conditional Formatting](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/excel-conditional-formatting) - [How To Add A Column In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-add-a-column-in-excel) - [How To Alphabetize In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-alphabetize-in-excel) - [How To Autofit In Excel](https://betteranalyst.com/excel/how-to-autofit-in-excel) ## Explore all Excel formulas Browse our complete library of Excel formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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