How to Fix Excel #DIV/0! Error and Recover Lost Data

Excel users frequently encounter the #DIV/0! error when working with formulas, especially during division operations. This error occurs when a formula tries to divide by zero or a blank cell, which can disrupt your workflow and cause frustration.

Don't worry! In this guide, we'll show you several simple methods to quickly fix the Excel #DIV/0! error. Additionally, we'll cover steps to recover lost data and ensure your data remains intact and secure.

What is the Excel #DIV/0! Error?

In Excel, the #DIV/0! error occurs in Excel when a formula tries to divide a number by zero or an empty cell. This error can appear in various scenarios, such as:

♦ Dividing by Zero: If the divisor is explicitly set to 0. For example, if you try to perform X/0, it will return a #DIV/0! error.

♦ Empty Cells: When a formula references a blank cell as the divisor.

♦ Imported Data: Sometimes, imported data may inadvertently contain blanks or zeros, leading to this error.

How to Locate All Cells with the #DIV/0! Error?

When working with Excel, encountering the #DIV/0! error is common, especially when formulas involve division by zero or blank cells. If there are only a few errors, you can correct them manually. However, in larger datasets, finding and addressing every instance of the #DIV/0! error can be time-consuming. To streamline this process, follow these steps to quickly locate all cells containing the error:

Step 1: Open your Excel file and navigate to the sheet where you want to find the Excel #DIV/0! errors.

Step 2: Press Ctrl + F to open the Find and Replace dialog box.

Step 3: Click on Options to expand the search options.

Step 4: Type #DIV/0! in the Find what field. 

Step 5: Select Sheet or Workbook as needed from the Within drop-down options.

Step 6: Select Values from the Look in drop-down options

Step 7: Click Find All to locate all the Excel #DIV/0! errors in your Excel file.

How to Get Rid of #DIV/0! in Excel?

Although Excel #DIV/0! error doesn’t affect your overall worksheet structure, it can certainly impact data analysis and calculations. Now that you understand the root cause of the error, let’s move on to how to remove #DIV/0! in Excel. This section provides three methods to effectively resolve this error, ensuring your workbook operates smoothly.

Fix 1. Remove the Excel #DIV/0! Error Using IFERROR

One of the easiest and most effective ways to handle the Excel #DIV/0! error is to use the IFERROR function.This function allows you to specify an alternate result when an error occurs, such as returning a blank or a more informative message instead of the error itself. Let’s understand the formula syntax for IFERROR and learn how to remove #DIV/0! in Excel:

► Formula Syntax for IFERROR:

=IFERROR(value, value_if_error)

• value: The formula that could result in an error (e.g., A1/B1).
• value_if_error: The value to return when an error occurs (e.g., Not Available).

To avoid the Excel #DIV/0! error, you can use the IFERROR function to replace the error with a custom message or value, such as:

=IFERROR(A1/B1, "Not Available")

Fix 2. Remove the Excel #DIV/0! Error Using ISERROR and IF

If you're working with an older version of Excel or need backward compatibility for sharing files, you can use a combination of the ISERROR and IF functions to handle the Excel #DIV/0! error. This method works similarly to IFERROR, but requires additional arguments.

► Formula Syntax for IFERROR:

=IF(ISERROR(A1/B1), "Not Available", A1/B1)

This formula first checks if the result is an error using ISERROR. If it does, it returns "Not Available". Otherwise, it performs the division and returns the result.

Fix 3. Manually Handle the Excel #DIV/0! Error

In certain situations, manually reviewing the cells involved in the calculation can be beneficial. Check your formula references to ensure none of the divisors are zero or blank. To make this process easier, you can use Conditional Formatting to highlight cells with a zero denominator, helping you quickly identify and resolve potential errors. Here’s how to apply Conditional Formatting to highlight these specific cells:

Step 1: Select the data range where division occurs.

Step 2: Go to the Home tab, click on Conditional Formatting, and choose New Rule. 

Step 3: Select Use a formula to determine which cells to format.

Step 4: Enter the formula: =B1=0.  (The cell B1 represents the location of the divisor in your data.)

Step 5: Choose a formatting style to highlight cells with zero values and manually change their value.

Bonus Tip: Recover Lost Excel Data with Software

In addition to the Excel #DIV/0! error, unexpected data loss can sometimes occur. How can you recover lost Excel data effectively? Fortunately, specialized recovery software offers a solution.

AOMEI FastRecovery is a professional tool designed to effortlessly recover lost, deleted, or corrupted files from a wide range of storage devices on Windows PCs and servers. Whether your data was lost due to accidental deletion, formatting, system crashes, or virus attacks, AOMEI FastRecovery can help. Its intuitive interface guides you through the recovery process with ease, allowing you to restore your files with confidence.

Free Download Windows PCs & Servers

100% Secure

Highlights of AOMEI FastRecovery: ◆ User-Friendly Interface: Step-by-step guidance makes it easy to recover deleted or corrupted files without hassle. ◆ Excellent Compatibility: Compatible with Windows Server and Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 64-bit and 32-bit. ◆ Preview-Supported Recovery: Allows you to preview the content of files before recovering. ◆ High Security: Ensures your data is 100% secure throughout the recovery process.

Here’s how to restore lost Excel data using AOMEI FastRecovery:

Step 1: Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery, and then choose the exact partition or disk where your files are located.

Step 2: Scan your disk thoroughly to find the lost Excel files. 

Step 3: After the scan is complete, all missing files will be displayed. Select the specific files you want to recover and click Recover.

Step 4: Choose a destination path for the recovered files and wait for the process to finish.

Prevent Future Excel #DIV/0! Errors and Data Loss

Encountering errors while editing Excel files is inevitable, and these issues can disrupt your workflow and cause significant setbacks. While there are solutions to resolve these errors, it's equally important to know how to prevent them from happening in the future. Here are some tips to help you avoid common Excel errors going forward:

► Validate Data: Before performing any calculations, ensure your data doesn’t contain zeros or blank cells in formulas that involve division.

► Enable Data Validation: Enable data validation rules to prevent you from entering invalid values.

► Turn on AutoSave: Enable Excel’s AutoSave feature to automatically save your work in case of unexpected file loss.

► Regularly Backup: Consistently backing up your important files reduces the risk of data loss.

► Maintain Device Safety: Protect your devices from physical damage and cyber threats by using reliable security software.

Conclusion

You may encounter the Excel #DIV/0! error when a formula attempts to divide by zero or a blank cell. Don’t worry! This post shows you how to remove #DIV/0! in Excel and ensure your data analysis runs smoothly. If your Excel data is accidentally lost during the process, specialized recovery software can help you recover it.