Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
Why Is My Formula Not Working?
Troubleshoot formulas that show errors, return the wrong result, or display as text.
Quick Answer
Most broken formulas come from wrong references, text that looks like numbers, hidden spaces, or a formula entered as plain text.
Copyable Formula
=ISNUMBER(A2)Syntax
Check references, data types, separators, calculation settings, and hidden characters.Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| Check | What it catches |
|---|---|
| ISNUMBER | Numbers stored as text |
| TRIM | Extra spaces |
| Show formulas | Formula entered as text |
Result: A short diagnostic checklist usually reveals whether the formula or source data is the problem.
Steps
- Check whether the formula shows an error or merely a wrong answer.
- Inspect source values with ISNUMBER, ISTEXT, LEN, or TRIM.
- Check separators, references, locked ranges, and calculation settings.
Common Mistakes
- Rewriting a formula before checking source data.
- Ignoring regional separators such as comma versus semicolon.
- Copying formulas without checking relative references.
Excel vs Google Sheets Notes
The core idea works in both Excel and Google Sheets, but separators, function availability, and array behavior can vary by account, locale, and version.
Editorial check: This guide was last updated May 13, 2026. Formula behavior can vary by Excel version, Google Sheets rollout, and spreadsheet locale.