#NUM!

NUM Error

Occurs when a formula has an invalid numeric value — such as a number too large, or a math operation that's impossible.

Common Causes

1.Number is too large or too small for Excel/Sheets to handle

2.Invalid argument for a math function (e.g., square root of a negative number)

3.IRR or RATE formula can't find a result with the given values

4.Date before January 1, 1900 (Excel's minimum date)

Check that input values are within valid ranges

=SQRT(ABS(A2)) to avoid sqrt of negative

For IRR/RATE, try different initial guess values

=IRR(A2:A12, 0.1)

Use IFERROR to handle impossible calculations gracefully

=IFERROR(SQRT(A2),"Invalid")

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