Applies To
Excel for Microsoft 365 Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac Excel 2024 Excel 2024 for Mac Excel 2021 Excel 2021 for Mac Excel 2019 Excel 2016

When a formula in a cell is different from the other cells in a table column, an alert indicator will appear near that cell. This doesn't necessarily mean that the formula is wrong, but does indicate some exception exists.

Calculated column exceptions are created when you do any of the following:

  • Type data other than a formula in a calculated column cell.

  • Type a formula in a calculated column cell, and then select Undo Undo button on the Quick Access Toolbar.

  • Type a new formula in a calculated column that already contains one or more exceptions.

  • Copy data into the calculated column that does not match the calculated column formula.  

    Note: If the copied data contains a formula, this formula overwrites the data in the calculated column.

  • Move or delete a cell on another worksheet area that is referenced by one of the rows in a calculated column.

Inconsistent formula error notification in an Excel table  

The shortcut menu shows the options available to resolve this warning.

Select

To

Restore to Calculated Column Formula

Make the formula consistent by restoring the pattern from the calculated column.

Ignore Error

Remove the error indicator if, for example, the inconsistency in the formula is intentional or otherwise acceptable.

Edit in Formula Bar

Review the formula syntax and verify that the cell references are valid.

Error Checking Options

If you no longer want to see this type of indicator in your worksheets, disable this option:

In File > Options > Formulas > Error checking rules, clear the check box for Inconsistent calculated column formula in tables, and then select OK.

Need more help?

You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in Communities.

See Also

Overview of Excel tables

Create and format tables

Total the data in an Excel table

Format an Excel table

Resize a table by adding or removing rows and columns

Filter data in a range or table

Convert a table to a range

Using structured references with Excel tables

Excel table compatibility issues

Export an Excel table to SharePoint

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