How to Use the ISERROR Function in WPS on Windows

Use ISERROR through 4 how-to topics, all available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps to complete the task.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter a basic ISERROR formula

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to show the result.
2. Type = to start a formula.
3. Enter ISERROR( and review the syntax hint.
4. Add the value, expression, or cell reference that you want to test.
5. Type the closing parenthesis and press Enter to see the result.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The target cell returns TRUE or FALSE.
• Next action available: You can copy the formula, fill it down, or nest it inside other functions.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Missing parentheses or parameters can make the formula itself return an error.
• Environment note: Formulas must begin with =.

2. Use IF with ISERROR to handle error results

Entry point: Select the result cell → formula bar

1. Select the cell where you want to show the result.
2. Enter a formula such as =IF(ISERROR(A1/B1),"Result error",A1/B1).
3. Press Enter to confirm the formula.
4. Change the source data and observe whether the displayed result switches as expected.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: When an error appears, the cell shows custom text or a replacement result; otherwise it shows the normal calculation result.
• Next action available: You can continue editing the prompt text or replacement formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Text content should be enclosed in double quotation marks.
• Environment note: The tested expression should follow spreadsheet formula syntax.

3. Check errors in cross-sheet references

Entry point: Target cell → formula bar

1. In the result cell, enter =ISERROR(Sheet2!A1) or another cross-sheet reference expression.
2. Press Enter to confirm the formula.
3. Check whether the referenced sheet, cell, or range is valid.
4. If needed, combine the formula with IF to return a prompt message.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: A valid reference returns FALSE, while an invalid reference returns TRUE.
• Next action available: You can continue locating the broken reference and correct the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: An incorrect sheet name or range can affect the result.
• Environment note: Make sure the target worksheet exists before using a cross-sheet reference.

4. Troubleshoot unexpected ISERROR results

Entry point: Formula bar

1. Check whether the formula begins with =.
2. Check whether parentheses, commas, and references are complete.
3. Confirm whether the parameter includes text-formatted numbers, invalid references, or circular references.
4. If needed, press F9 to recalculate and review the result again.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: After correction, the formula returns TRUE or FALSE normally.
• Next action available: You can continue editing the original formula and complete the calculation.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Entering numbers as text may affect related calculation results.
• Environment note: For long formulas, editing in the formula bar makes the full content easier to review.