Loops like these aren’t ideal for users working in an Excel workbook, largely because the excess calculations result in excessive memory usage (although the example above, by definition, wouldn’t result in any useful output anyway).Įxcel won’t try to give you a result-the warning is sufficient to stop the error. Because the overall result relies on the output of the initial cell ( A2), this still results in an error. However, C2 contains a simple calculation, =A2-1. For instance, A2 contains =B2, while B2 contains =C2. This also happens if, for example, you reference data in a cell that relies on the result of your first cell. A blue arrow connecting the two cells offers a graphical representation of the problem. There isn’t an answer for Excel to output, so it displays an error. This is a circular reference, as the “formula” can’t be completed. Both contain references to the other cell, with A2 containing =B2, and B2 containing =A2. Let’s assume you have two cells: A2 and B2. Calculating the result of a formula, when the cell containing that formula is part of the calculation, results in an endless loop that Excel can’t complete. What are circular references in Excel and how do they work?įor most users, a circular reference in Excel is problematic.
How to create a circular reference formula in ExcelĪre you struggling with circular references in Excel? Then keep reading! 1. How to enable iterative calculations in Excel. How to quickly find and remove unwanted circular references in Excel. What are circular references in Excel and how do they work?. Whether you’re looking to use circular references or avoid them entirely, this guide will explain: If you want to insert an iterative calculation (one that repeats itself a limited number of times until certain conditions are met), you might want to use a circular reference formula, but you’ll need to tweak Excel’s settings to allow it. However, there is one way you can use circular references in Excel to your advantage. For instance, if you’re analyzing data with a SUMIF formula, and one of the cells in your data set is referencing the output from the same cell containing that formula, Excel can’t calculate the result, causing this error to appear. You’ll see circular reference warnings for any formula you try to insert into Excel that loops back to itself. We’ll explain everything you need to know about circular references (and how to avoid or potentially use them) in this step-by-step guide. As the formula can break its own result, this creates a circular reference. 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.
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