Fix a circular reference

You get the error message about a circular reference when your formula is trying to calculate itself or includes a reference to itself. 

1. On the Formulas tab, select the arrow next to   Error Checking. 

2. Select  Circular References, and then choose the first cell listed in the submenu.

3. Review the formula in the cell. If you can't determine whether the cell is the cause of the circular reference, select the next cell.

Checking for circular references isn't currently possible in Excel for the web. You can, however, check for and fix circular references in the Excel desktop app.

• To open the desktop app, at the top of the ribbon, select Editing > Open in Desktop App.

  

Don't have the Excel desktop app? Try or buy Microsoft 365.