Formulas are the backbone of Excel, it allows users to perform complex calculations, data manipulations, and logical operations. They play a vital role in maintaining data accuracy and automating tasks. While using Excel formulas & functions users often encounter various issues if something goes wrong. One such error message that users are recently experiencing and reporting is- ‘Excel there’s a problem with this formula not trying to type a formula’.
If you are one such user, you are welcome to this blog. In this post, I will explore every aspect of this error, its common causes, and how to fix it by using some practical workarounds.
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What Does Excel There’s a Problem with This Formula Error Mean?
When there is a problem with this formula Excel error occurs, it simply indicates that you can’t perform complex calculations or logical operations in the spreadsheet using Excel formulas. It also signals a disturbance in the normal functioning of formulas.
This warning message often arises when using mathematical, logical, reference, and text formulas in worksheets or using the Find and Replace feature to replace any formula.
Why This Error Occurs?
Various reasons may contribute to this cryptic error, the most common causes are as follows:
- Incorrect syntax
- Wrong reference cell or missing references
- Inappropriate list separator settings in PC or system separator settings in Excel
- Unsupported functions
- Corrupted or damaged Excel workbook
- Improper region settings.
What to Do When Excel Says There Is a Problem with This Formula?
Navigate through the below step-by-step methods for fixing there’s a problem with this formula Excel error.
Fix 1- Verify Your Formula
The very first method that you must try to troubleshoot this error is to check the formula syntax. Ensure that it is correct & all the essential components are included. Also, check the Excel function that you’ve used in a formula & make sure that it is supported by your MS Excel version.
You can even replace comma (,) with colon (:) in the formula to check for the error.
Also Read: Resolve “Excel Found A Problem With One Or More Formula References” Error
Fix 2- Ensure to Correct Regional Settings
Incorrect system’s regional settings can also trigger this warning message and disturb your workflow. Consider correcting regional settings to enhance your spreadsheet experience.
Steps to be followed to correct regional settings (Windows 11):
- Type Control Panel in the search box and open the result.
- Find and click on Region >> go to Formats tab, and click on the Additional settings button.
- In the Numbers tab, ensure that the List separator option is set to (,) comma, if not, then immediately set it.
- But if the error continues, change the comma (,) with a semicolon (;) there >> click OK.
Fix 3- Enable the System Separators
As already mentioned in the causes, wrong system separator settings in MS Excel can also lead to there is a problem with this formula Excel VLOOKUP. To solve it, follow the below instructions carefully and correct the system separator settings:
- Open the MS Excel.
- Go to the File menu and choose Options.
- Then, click on Advanced option.
- Ensure to check the Use system separators option >> click OK.
- Exit Excel & restart it to see if the error is fixed.
Fix 4- Uncheck Missing References
Missing references to the objects in the Excel spreadsheet often trigger formula errors in Excel. Nevertheless, you can overcome such situations by unchecking the missing references.
Follow the below steps to locate and uncheck the missing references:
- Open Excel then press the Alt+ F11 keys simultaneously. This will open Visual Basic Editor.
- Click on Tools >> References
- Now, scroll down to Available References box & uncheck all the boxes that begin with MISSING: >> click OK.
Also Read: Fixing Excel “There Was a Problem Sending the Command to The Program” Error
Fix 5- Correct the Spelling Settings to Fix Excel There’s a Problem with This Formula Error
Another option that can assist you in getting rid of this formula error is to correct the spelling settings. Here’s how you can do so:
1- Open the MS Excel.
2- Go to the File tab >> Click Options.
3- Then, click on Proofing > ensure the Ignore words that contain numbers checkbox is ticked.
Please Note: Checking and correcting the spelling setting can also assist you in fixing the #VALUE error or other formula errors in Excel.
Fix 6- Repair Corrupted Excel File
Well, if you are getting Excel there’s a problem with this formula not trying to type a formula error due to corruption in the Excel file, you can use Microsoft’s built-in utility- Open and Repair to repair your file.
To know how to use this tool, follow the below steps carefully:
- Launch Excel >> Go to File >> Open.
- Next, click on the Browse button to choose the Excel file that is showing the error.
- Then, click on the arrow next to an Open button >> choose Open and Repair option.
- After that, click on Repair to repair the workbook and recover as much data as possible.
- Click Close.
If your worksheet isn’t fixed by the Open and Repair utility, it is likely the file is severely damaged. In such a case, you can repair the corrupted Excel file using a dedicated Excel Repair Software. Moreover, this tool quickly recovers all the objects from a corrupted Excel document. You can even check the program’s functionality by downloading & installing its demo version.
Steps to Utilize MS Excel Repair Tool:
Also Read: Resolve #SPILL Error Excel Like a Pro!
Related FAQs:
Yes, you can use complex Excel formulas to perform intricate calculations or operations. But use them very carefully.
Due to a wrong formula or syntax, Excel says there is a problem with this formula error.
To find formula errors in Microsoft Excel, you can use the built-in feature of Excel known as error-checking.
Yes, using the Find and Replace Excel feature, you can find and replace in a formula in worksheets.
Yes, complex formulas, specifically those involving the external data, are more prone to errors.
#DIV/0! or #NAME? appears when a formula error occurs. Is It Advisable to Use Complex Formulas in Excel?
Why Does Excel Keep Saying There Is a Problem with My Formula?
How Can I Find Formula Errors in Excel?
Can You Find and Replace in A Formula in Sheets?
Are There Specific Formulas More Prone to Errors?
Which Symbol Appears When a Formula Error Occurs?
Bottom Line
Although the error ‘Excel find and replace there’s a problem with this formula’ can be solved using various workarounds, it may lead to potential data loss. However, you can apply all the solutions outlined in this blog to troubleshoot this error without any data loss.
In case, the error has occurred due to severe file corruption, you must use the Excel Repair Tool to repair the corrupted (.xls/.xlsx) file and restore its objects.
That’s all…
References:
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/repair-a-corrupted-workbook-153a45f4-6cab-44b1-93ca-801ddcd4ea53
- https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/error-display-window-theres-a-problem-with-this/fd41b58f-de65-44a4-a086-cc829101c214
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-the-character-used-to-separate-thousands-or-decimals-c093b545-71cb-4903-b205-aebb9837bd1e
Priyanka Sahu
Priyanka is a content marketing expert. She writes tech blogs and has expertise in MS Office, Excel, and other tech subjects. Her distinctive art of presenting tech information in the easy-to-understand language is very impressive. When not writing, she loves unplanned travels.