#SPILL! Error in FILTER: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

#SPILL!

+FILTER

# Understanding the #SPILL! Error in FILTER Formulas The FILTER function is a powerful tool for extracting data based on criteria, but it frequently triggers the #SPILL! error. This occurs when Excel cannot place the filtered results into the destination range because something is blocking the "spill" area—the cells where results naturally expand. Common culprits include existing data, merged cells, or formulas already occupying those spaces. The good news? This is one of Excel's most straightforward errors to resolve. Understanding why FILTER struggles to spill its results takes just minutes, and fixing it requires only minor adjustments to your worksheet layout. Whether you're new to dynamic arrays or a seasoned Excel user, this guide walks you through identifying the exact cause of your #SPILL! error and implementing the right solution for your specific situation.

Why FILTER causes #SPILL!

Spill range blocked by existing data

The cells where FILTER results would spill contain existing data or formulas. Excel cannot overwrite non-empty cells with the spill range, so it returns #SPILL! instead of populating the results downward.

=FILTER(A1:D100, A1:A100>50) where cells E1:E50 already contain data, blocking the horizontal or vertical spill

Include array dimension mismatch

The include criteria array has a different number of rows (or columns, if horizontal) than the source array. FILTER requires the include array to match the array dimensions exactly for proper row-by-row evaluation.

=FILTER(A1:A100, B1:B50>100) where the criteria range B1:B50 has only 50 rows instead of 100

Array argument is invalid or empty

The array parameter references an invalid range, a deleted range, or contains an error that propagates. FILTER cannot process a malformed or error-containing source array and returns #SPILL!.

=FILTER(#REF!:D100, C1:C100="Yes") where the array range contains a broken reference

Step-by-Step Solution

1Click on the cell displaying the #SPILL! error to select it and view the formula in the formula bar
2Check the range immediately to the right and below the formula cell—if cells are occupied, select and clear them (Delete key) to create empty space for the spilled array result
3Review your FILTER formula syntax: verify the array argument is correct, the include argument contains valid TRUE/FALSE criteria, and there are no circular references
4Confirm the include argument produces a logical array matching the size of your data range; if your criteria logic is faulty, edit it to return proper TRUE/FALSE values
5Test if your criteria is too restrictive by temporarily simplifying the include argument (e.g., use a single column reference) to see if FILTER can spill at all
6If the formula contains references to the output range itself, restructure it to reference only the source data, not the spill range
7Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter (or Enter in Excel 365) to confirm the formula, then verify the spill range is now clear and the results display correctly
8If the error persists, wrap the FILTER formula in IFERROR() to diagnose: =IFERROR(FILTER(array, include), "Check criteria") and review the error message

Concrete Example

Sales team filtering active customers by region

A sales manager uses FILTER to extract a list of active customers from a specific region for a quarterly report. The formula should return customer names and contact info, but instead displays #SPILL! error.

Before (error)

=FILTER(A2:C500,(B2:B500="Active")*(C2:C500="Northeast"))

After (fixed)

=FILTER(A2:C500,(B2:B500="Active")*(C2:C500="Northeast"))

Problem: The #SPILL! error occurs because the target range (column D) already contains data or formatting that blocks the spill range. FILTER cannot expand its results into cells that are occupied or protected.

Solution: Insert empty columns or paste the formula into a completely clear range with no existing data, merged cells, or array formulas blocking the spill area.

Prevention Tip

Ensure the range you're filtering contains no merged cells, and verify that the output range has enough empty space below and to the right to accommodate all filtered results without obstruction from other data or formatting.

Free Tools to Fix Your Formulas

Use these free tools to avoid this error:

Excel Formula Generator

Describe what you want to calculate and get the Excel formula instantly

VLOOKUP Generator

Generate VLOOKUP formulas instantly by describing what you need in plain English

Excel Formula Explainer

Paste any Excel formula and get a clear, step-by-step explanation powered by AI. Understand complex formulas instantly.

Tired of debugging #SPILL! errors in your FILTER formulas? ElyxAI automatically detects and fixes these issues in seconds—try it free today.