Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
How to Fix #VALUE!
Fix #VALUE! errors caused by wrong data types, text in math formulas, dates stored as text, or invalid arguments.
Quick Answer
#VALUE! usually means a formula expected a number, date, or valid range but received incompatible text or arguments.
Copyable Formula
=VALUE(SUBSTITUTE(A2,"$",""))Syntax
=VALUE(text)Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| A | B |
|---|---|
| Raw amount | Numeric amount |
| $120 | 120 |
Result: Converts text that looks like money into a number that formulas can use.
Steps
- Identify which argument is not the expected type.
- Convert text numbers or text dates when needed.
- Check array formulas for mismatched dimensions.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming a value is numeric because it looks numeric.
- Ignoring hidden characters from imported files.
- Fixing the formula when the source data is the actual issue.
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.