How to Fix Spill Error in Excel

As a professional who works with Microsoft Excel, encountering an error such as the ‘Spill Error’ can be frustrating and time-consuming. This error typically occurs when a formula produces multiple results, and Excel is unable to display all of them in a single cell. However, you need not worry as there is a quick and straightforward solution to fix this issue. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to resolve the ‘Spill Error’ in Excel. By the end of this read, you will be more confident in using Excel and avoid getting stuck on this error in the future.

Understanding the Spill Error in Excel

Before delving into the steps to fix the ‘Spill Error’ in Excel, it’s essential to understand what it means. Unlike other errors in Excel, the ‘Spill Error’ occurs when a formula produces multiple results, and Excel cannot display all of them in a single cell. For example, if you use the FILTER function to filter data, and the result contains more than one cell, Excel will show a ‘Spill Error.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing the Spill Error in Excel

Step 1: Select the Cell(s) with the Spill Error

The first step in fixing the ‘Spill Error’ is to select the cell(s) that display the error. The cell or cells that contain the ‘Spill Error’ will have a red triangle on the top left corner, which indicates a warning. Click on the cell(s) with the warning to activate it.

Step 2: Locate the ‘Spill Range’ Icon

After selecting the problematic cell(s), locate the ‘Spill Range’ icon in the formula bar. The icon is a small ‘control handle,’ symbolized by a green circle with a white plus ‘+.’ Click on this icon to fix the ‘Spill Error.’

Step 3: Use the ‘Remove Spill’ Option

Once you have clicked on the ‘Spill Range’ icon, a drop-down menu appears with the ‘Remove Spill’ option. Click on ‘Remove Spill’ to fix the ‘Spill Error.’ You will see that the formula result now appears on a single cell without the red warning flag.

Step 4: Confirm the Changes

It’s best practice to confirm that the formula is working correctly after fixing the ‘Spill Error.’ Double-click on the changed cell to check if the output matches the expected result. If it does not match, review the formula and adjust it accordingly.

Now that you have learned how to fix the ‘Spill Error’ in Excel, it’s essential to note that it’s best practice to avoid getting stuck on this error by ensuring that the formula you use does not generate multiple results. However, should you encounter the error, follow the steps outlined in this guide to fix the ‘Spill Error’ as quickly as possible.

Preventing the Spill Error in Excel

Preventing the ‘Spill Error’ in Excel is simple once you know what causes it. Ensure that any formula you use does not produce multiple results, which can cause the error. To prevent the error, you can modify your formula to output the result in a specific location, rather than using a range that will result in multiple outputs.

Common Causes of the Spill Error in Excel

Using an Array Formula without Confirming with CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER

An ‘Array Formula’ is a formula that performs multiple calculations and returns a single output. The ‘Spill Error’ can occur if you enter an array formula by typing it into a cell instead of confirming it with ‘CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER.’

Using a Function that Produces Multiple Outputs

Some Excel functions are designed to produce multiple outputs when used with certain inputs. For example, the FILTER function filters a table or range and returns an array or range with multiple outputs, which can cause the ‘Spill Error.’

Using an Older Version of Excel

The ‘Spill Error’ is not available in older versions of Excel, such as Excel 2010 and earlier. If you are encountering the ‘Spill Error,’ you may need to upgrade to a newer version of Excel that supports this functionality.

Final Thoughts

The ‘Spill Error’ is a common error that every Microsoft Excel user may encounter at some point. However, with the steps outlined in this article, you can fix the error and minimize its occurrence in your workflow. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Always ensure that you use settings and input values that do not cause the ‘Spill Error,’ and you will enjoy error-free Excel spreadsheets.

FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions on the ‘Spill Error’ in Excel:

Can I fix the ‘Spill Error’ in Excel without adjusting my formula?

No, the ‘Spill Error’ occurs when your formula produces multiple outputs, and Excel cannot display them in a single cell. You will need to follow the steps outlined in this article to fix the error, which is primarily adjusting the formula.

Why does my formula produce multiple outputs?

Some Excel functions, such as FILTER, TRANSPOSE, SORT, UNIQUE, or SEQUENCE, are designed to produce multiple outputs when used with certain inputs or conditions. When you don’t specify the output location, Excel will cause the ‘Spill Error.’

Why does Excel show a warning sign on my cell?

The warning sign on your cell indicates that there is a problem with the cell, such as a formula error or data validation issue. In the case of the ‘Spill Error,’ it indicates that the cell contains multiple outputs, and Excel cannot display all of them in a single cell.

What happens when I remove the Spill Error?

When you remove the ‘Spill Error’ in Excel, you will fix the formula and make it produce a single output instead of multiple outputs. Excel will display the output on the same cell that previously contained the error, without the warning sign.

Can I avoid the ‘Spill Error’ when using Excel functions like FILTER?

Yes, you can avoid the ‘Spill Error’ when using Excel functions like FILTER by modifying the formula to output the results in a specific location, rather than using a range that will result in multiple outputs. You can also use the XLAMULTIFILTER add-in, which allows you to filter data without causing the ‘Spill Error.’