Common XIRR questions usually involve argument formats, unexpected results, and filling formulas across cells; this section includes 4 frequent questions and a glossary.
FAQ
What should I do if XIRR shows a #VALUE! error?
- Check whether the
valuesrange contains text, extra spaces, or other content that cannot be calculated. - Check whether the
datesrange contains valid dates instead of plain text. - Clean the source data if needed, then enter or confirm the formula again.
Why is the XIRR result different from what I expected?
- Make sure the amount range and date range match each other correctly.
- Check whether the cash flow data includes both outgoing and incoming values.
- If you used the
guessargument, try adjusting it and calculate again.
How can I use the XIRR function in multiple cells?
- Enter the XIRR formula in the first target cell.
- Drag the fill handle or use copy and paste to extend it to other cells.
- After filling, check whether relative and absolute references are set correctly.
What is the difference between XIRR and IRR?
- IRR is more suitable for cash flows that occur at regular intervals.
- XIRR is suitable for cash flows with irregular dates and uses the actual dates in the calculation.
- When each cash flow happens on a different date, XIRR is usually the more suitable choice.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| XIRR | A financial function used to calculate the internal rate of return for irregular cash flows. |
| values | The cash flow amount range in XIRR, usually including both outgoing and incoming amounts. |
| dates | The date range that corresponds to each cash flow amount. |
| guess | An optional estimated result used to help the function iterate toward a calculation. |