When you add a calculated field to a PivotTable to show a percentage, the result often displays the wrong value. This happens because Excel calculates the field at the row level, not at the grand total level. This article explains why the percentage is wrong and shows you the correct method to fix it using … Read more
You wrote an XLOOKUP formula with multiple conditions using the ampersand operator, but instead of a result, you see a #SPILL! error. This error occurs because XLOOKUP returns an array that overlaps cells containing data, or the lookup array is structured incorrectly for multi-condition logic. This article explains why the spill error happens with XLOOKUP … Read more
The Excel FILTER function returns an empty result or a #CALC! error when you try to filter for blank cells. This happens because the FILTER function treats blank criteria as no criteria at all and returns all rows from the source array. You need a specific workaround to make FILTER recognize and return only blank … Read more
When you enter a dynamic array formula in Excel, it automatically spills results into adjacent cells. If those cells are part of a merged cell range, Excel shows a #SPILL! error and the formula fails to return any values. This happens because merged cells block the spill range that the formula needs to expand into. … Read more
When you click on a cell in Excel, the formula bar normally displays the formula you entered, such as =SUM(A1:A10). If the formula bar instead shows the calculated result, like 150, you cannot see or edit the formula directly. This problem usually happens because Excel is set to show the final value rather than the … Read more
When you open an Excel file, the formula calculation mode may switch from Automatic to Manual without warning. This causes formulas to stop updating until you press F9 or manually recalculate. The problem often occurs because the file itself stores a specific calculation setting, or because an add-in overrides the default behavior. This article explains … Read more
You use XLOOKUP in Excel expecting the correct match, but it returns the wrong value when your lookup column contains duplicate keys. This happens because XLOOKUP by default returns the first match it finds, and when duplicates exist, the first match may not be the one you intended. In this article, you will learn why … Read more
You shared an Excel workbook with colleagues, and formulas that use the LET function now show a #NAME? error. This happens because the LET function is a newer function that requires Excel 2021 or Microsoft 365, and some recipients may have an older version that does not recognize it. This article explains why the error … Read more
When you open the Name Manager in Excel expecting to see the LAMBDA function as a new option, it may be completely absent. This prevents you from creating custom reusable formulas using the LAMBDA feature. The cause is typically an outdated Excel version or a missing subscription channel that does not include LAMBDA. This article … Read more
Official documentation checked October 14, 2026. If Copilot is missing, cannot suggest a formula, or produces a formula that does not calculate, those are different problems. Start by identifying which one you have. You do not need to delete Office licensing folders, clear every document cache, or disable your firewall to diagnose a formula problem. … Read more