How to use the Excel IFNA function

Summary

The Excel IFNA function returns a custom result when a formula generates the #N/A error, and a standard result when no error is detected. IFNA is an elegant way to trap and handle #N/A errors specifically without catching other errors.

Purpose

Trap and handle #N/A errors

Return value

The value supplied for #N/A errors

Syntax

=IFNA (value, value_if_na)

Arguments

value - The value, reference, or formula to check for an error.
value_if_na - The value to return if #N/A error is found.

Usage notes

Use the IFNA function to trap and handle #N/A errors that may arise in formulas, especially those that perform lookups using MATCH, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, etc. The IFNA function will only handle #N/A errors, which means other errors that may be generated by a formula will still display.

You can also use the IFERROR function to catch the #N/A errors, but IFERROR will also catch other errors as well.

IFNA with VLOOKUP

A typical example of IFNA used to trap #N/A errors with VLOOKUP will look like this:

=IFNA(VLOOKUP(A1,table,2,0),"Not found")

Notes:

If value is empty, it is evaluated as an empty string ("") and not an error.
If value_if_na is supplied as an empty string (""), no message is displayed when an error is detected.

Related functions

Excel ISERROR Function

The Excel ISERROR function returns TRUE for any error type excel generates, including #N/A, #VALUE!, #REF!, #DIV/0!, #NUM!, #NAME?, or #NULL! You can use ISERROR together with the IF function to test for errors and display a custom message, or...

Excel IFERROR Function

The Excel IFERROR function returns a custom result when a formula generates an error, and a standard result when no error is detected. IFERROR is an elegant way to trap and manage errors without using more complicated nested IF statements.

Excel ISNA Function

The Excel ISNA function returns TRUE when a cell contains the #N/A error and FALSE for any other value, or any other error type. You can use the ISNA function with the IF function test for an error and display a friendly message when it appears...

Excel Formula Training

Formulas are the key to getting things done in Excel. In this accelerated training, you'll learn how to use formulas to manipulate text, work with dates and times, lookup values with VLOOKUP and INDEX & MATCH, count and sum with criteria, dynamically rank values, and create dynamic ranges. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot, trace errors, and fix problems. Instant access. See details here.