Examples of common formula problems
1) Unmatched parentheses.
2) Too few or too many arguments in a function.
3) Invalid character when an operator was expected.
EXAMPLE: =5@9
4) Workbook name enclosed in quotation marks but not followed by an exclamation point.
EXAMPLE: ='[FINANCES.XLS]'budget!5
5) External reference without a workbook name.
EXAMPLE: =!A5
6) Incorrectly constructed number.
EXAMPLE: =5c3
7) External reference referring to something other than a name or a reference.
EXAMPLE: =[FINANCES.XLS]budget!5
8) Missing operand.
EXAMPLE: =5+
9) Missing closing bracket of array constants.
EXAMPLE: ={1,2,3,
10) Nonrectangular array constant.
EXAMPLE: -{1,2,3;4,5}
11) Reference number out of range.
EXAMPLE: A16385, R5C258 (a worksheet is 16384 rows by 256 columns).
12) Nested external references.
13) 'Transition Formula Entry' is selected.
a) Select the `Tools' menu and select 'Options...'.
b) Choose the 'Transition' tab.
c) Uncheck the 'Transition Formula Entry' check box.