How do you fix Excel error there are one or more circular references?
by Teodor Nechita Show
Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related. When not working, you may usually find him either... read more Updated on July 27, 2022
Pretty much anyone that works in an office environment knows about Microsoft Office, and the three big names in its arsenal:
This article will be covering an issue that many users have reported on forums, regarding a particular Microsoft Excel issue:
For those of you that don’t know, a circular reference means that your formula is trying to calculate itself since you are referring to cells already included in the formula. The full message reads as follows:
Further research revealed that this is a common error message, so we decided to make a list of the best ways you can overcome the circular reference error in Microsoft Excel. How do I fix the circular reference error in Microsoft Excel?Enable the iterative calculation featureIf you want a workaround for the circular reference error in Excel, you should enable the iterative calculation feature. By doing so, you will be able to use circular references without encountering any issues. Here is how to do so: 1. Open Microsoft Excel. 2. Select File and go to Options. 3. Select Formulas. 4. Check the box next to Enable iterative calculation. 5. Click Ok to apply and save the changes. Find the cell causing the circular reference error
Manually move the formula to another cellIf you have a simple calculation, for example, A1 + A2 + A3= A4, but you wanted to put the SUM formula on A1, A2, or A3 instead of A4, this will trigger the reference error. That being the case, simply choose a different cell for your formula, without overlapping with the cells that already have numerical values inside of them. By following the steps below, you should be able to fix any circular reference error and resume using Microsoft Excel accordingly. Which one of the methods worked best for you? Let us know by leaving us a message in the comments section below. Still having issues? Fix them with this tool: SPONSORED If the advices above haven't solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All. NewsletterWhy does Excel keep saying I have Circular References?If you see a circular reference warning in Excel, it usually points to a formula in a cell that, in some way, refers back to itself. As the formula can break its own result, this creates a circular reference.
What does it mean when Excel says there are one or more Circular References where a formula refers to its own cell either directly or indirectly?A circular reference in Excel indicates that the calculation in a certain cell refers to it's own result once or several times. This is usually unintended.
How do I open an Excel file with a circular reference error?Go to the Formulas tab, click the arrow next to Error Checking, and point to Circular References The last entered circular reference is displayed there. Click on the cell listed under Circular References, and Excel will bring you exactly to that cell.
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