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Information
The Excel NA function returns the #N/A error on purpose — a deliberate “no data here” marker that keeps charts from plotting gaps and forces formulas to acknowledge missing values.
Quick answer: mark a cell as “no data”:
=NA() // returns #N/A
Syntax
=NA()
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| This function takes no arguments. | ||
How to use it
Why deliberately create an error? Two reasons: charts skip #N/A points instead of plotting them as zero (great for incomplete series), and #N/A propagates loudly so a missing input can’t hide. Common pattern: =IF(A2="", NA(), A2).
Try it: interactive demo
Live demo
Pick an input and watch the formula and result update.
This function takes no inputs to vary — here is what it returns:
Result:
Practice workbook
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Frequently asked questions
Why would I want an error?
Charts ignore #N/A (no false zero), and #N/A propagates so missing data stays visible rather than silently becoming 0.
NA() vs typing #N/A?
Both produce the same error; NA() is clearer in formulas and the only way to generate it conditionally.
How do I hide #N/A later?
Wrap the consuming formula in IFNA or IFERROR when you finally want a display value.
Does SUM ignore NA()?
No — SUM returns #N/A if any cell is #N/A. Use AGGREGATE or SUMIF to skip errors.
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