FormulaRescue

Fix #REF! errors in Excel

A #REF! error usually means a formula is pointing to a cell, range, or sheet reference that no longer exists.

FormulaRescue can help rewrite the formula when the intended reference is clear from your context.

Formula repair
Excel errors
No workbook upload

Common examples

=SUM(#REF!)

A referenced range was likely deleted.

=VLOOKUP(A2,#REF!,3,FALSE)

The lookup table reference is broken.

='Old Sheet'!#REF!

The original cell or range may no longer exist.

FAQ

What causes #REF! in Excel?

A formula is pointing to a deleted or invalid reference.

Can FormulaRescue know the missing cell?

Only if you provide context about what the formula should reference.

Should I paste the surrounding formula?

Yes. Include as much of the broken formula as possible.

Try FormulaRescue

Paste your broken Excel formula into the main FormulaRescue tool and get a corrected version back.

Rescue a formula

Related Excel formula pages