Excel function

["J Paul Gaskill" <capnpaul@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Colin.

The #Value is returned when an error has been made, usually in the formula
or format of the cell. Read about it below ;>)

J Paul Gaskill
What does the error #VALUE! mean?
The #VALUE! error value occurs when the wrong type of argument or operand is
used, or if the Formula AutoCorrect feature cannot correct the formula.

Possible cause
Entering text when the formula requires a number or a logical value, such as
TRUE or FALSE. Microsoft Excel cannot translate the text into the correct
data type.

Suggested action
Make sure the formula or function is correct for the required operand or
argument, and that the cells that are referenced by the formula contain
valid values. For example, if cell A5 contains a number and cell A6 contains
the text "Not available", the formula =A5+A6 will return the error #VALUE!.
Use the SUM worksheet function in the formula as follows to add the two
values (the SUM function ignores text):=SUM(A5:A6)

Possible cause
Entering or editing an array formula, and then pressing ENTER.
Suggested action
Select the cell or range of cells that contains the array formula, press F2
to edit the formula, and then press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.

Possible cause
Supplying a range to an operator or a function that requires a single value,
not a range.
Suggested action
Change the range to a single value. Change the range to include either the
same row or the same column that contains the formula.

Possible cause
Using a matrix that is not valid in one of the matrix worksheet functions.
Suggested action
Make sure the dimensions of the matrix are correct for the matrix arguments.

Possible cause
Running a macro that enters a function that returns #VALUE!.
Suggested action
Make sure the function is not using an incorrect argument.



>>Can anyone suggest a solution when an Excel function returns #VALUE in a
condition. For example

If(search("something",A1)>0, do something, do something else). If the search
is successful "it" works, but if the search isn't true, then Excel returns
#VALUE. I can't find a way to test for #VALUE.

Thanks in advance
Colin West