Excel: Functions Return Zero with a Circular Reference

 Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
Article ID: Q79044

The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for OS/2 versions 2.2, 2.21, and 3.0

SUMMARY

In a Microsoft Excel function, when an argument is used that is the result of a circular reference, that function will also return a zero.

MORE INFORMATION

Microsoft Excel cannot resolve a circular reference, or a reference that refers to itself. When a formula is entered that contains a circular reference as one of its arguments, Microsoft Excel returns a zero for that formula.

WORKAROUND

If the circular reference is intentional, choose Calculation from the Options menu, select Iterations, and change the number of Iterations to 1. If the circular reference is unintentional, remove it.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," version 3.0, pages 291-292

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Additional reference words: 5.00 2.10 2.20 2.21 3.00 4.00 trend growth
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Last reviewed: November 30, 1994
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