#CALC! Error in FILTER: Troubleshooting Guide

#CALC!

+FILTER

The FILTER function is powerful for extracting data based on criteria, but it frequently throws a #CALC! error that frustrates users. This error typically occurs when the include array doesn't match the dimensions of your source array, or when your criteria logic produces unexpected results. Common culprits include mismatched row counts, incorrect boolean operators, or referencing columns with incompatible sizes. The good news? #CALC! in FILTER is almost always solvable with straightforward troubleshooting. Most issues stem from a few predictable mistakes rather than fundamental formula problems. By understanding how FILTER evaluates its arguments and validates array compatibility, you can quickly diagnose and fix the problem. This guide walks you through the most common causes and their solutions, so you'll be filtering data confidently in minutes.

Why FILTER causes #CALC!

Include array dimension mismatch

The include array has a different number of rows than the array being filtered. FILTER requires the include criteria array to match the row count of the source array exactly, or it cannot evaluate which rows to return.

=FILTER(A1:C100, D1:D50) where the include array D1:D50 has only 50 rows but the data array has 100 rows

Circular reference in include criteria

The include parameter references the result of the FILTER formula itself, creating a circular dependency. Excel cannot calculate the formula because it depends on its own output to determine what to filter.

=FILTER(A1:C100, A1:A100=E1:E1) where E1 contains =FILTER(...) that references the first FILTER formula

Include array returns non-boolean values

The include parameter must evaluate to TRUE/FALSE values, but instead returns text, numbers, or errors that cannot be interpreted as logical criteria. FILTER cannot process non-boolean results to determine row inclusion.

=FILTER(A1:C100, IFERROR(FIND("text",B1:B100),0)) where IFERROR returns 0 or a number instead of TRUE/FALSE

Step-by-Step Solution

1Click on the cell displaying the #CALC! error to select it and view the complete FILTER formula in the formula bar
2Check that your array argument (first parameter) references a valid data range with actual values—ensure it's not empty, circular, or referencing only headers
3Verify your include argument (second parameter) returns TRUE/FALSE values only—if it contains text, numbers, or errors, convert it using comparison operators (e.g., change A:A to A:A="value")
4Confirm that the include argument has the same dimensions as the array argument; if the array is 10 rows, the include condition must evaluate 10 rows, not just one
5Check for volatile functions or circular references in your include condition—avoid INDIRECT, OFFSET, or self-referential ranges that can cause calculation loops
6Press Ctrl+Shift+F9 (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+F9 (Mac) to force a full recalculation and clear any cached calculation errors
7If the error persists, wrap the FILTER formula in IFERROR: =IFERROR(FILTER(array, include), "No results") to isolate whether FILTER itself or dependent formulas are failing
8Test the formula by pressing Enter and verify the result returns filtered data or your error message—adjust the array or include parameters accordingly

Concrete Example

Sales Performance Report with Dynamic Filtering

A sales manager uses FILTER to extract all transactions above a target amount from a monthly dataset to create a commission report.

Before (error)

=FILTER(A2:D100,(C2:C100)>5000)

After (fixed)

=FILTER(A2:D100,VALUE(C2:C100)>5000)

Problem: The #CALC! error appears because the criteria range (amount column) contains text values mixed with numbers, causing the comparison operator to fail.

Solution: Convert the criteria range to numeric values using VALUE() or ensure the entire column contains only numbers. Alternatively, use IFERROR to handle mixed data types gracefully.

Prevention Tip

Ensure your FILTER formula has at least one matching row that satisfies the include criteria; if no rows match, add error handling with IFERROR to return a default value instead of #CALC!.

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