
Excel is a powerful tool for data management. Encountering an “Excel spill error” can be frustrating.
In this article, we’ll explore five simple ways to solve the problem, ensuring your Excel spreadsheets work smoothly. Let’s dive in.
What Is “Excel Spill Error”?
The message “#Spill Error in Excel” appears when a calculation’s answer doesn’t fit neatly into one cell but spreads into nearby ones.
It happens when you use certain functions that produce more than one answer. Excel struggles to squeeze all these answers into one cell, so they overflow into other cells and disrupt your data.
What is the Cause of “Excel Spill Error”?
Mentioned below are the 5 common causes.
- Data Validation: Ensure data accuracy and consistency by using data validation rules.
- Conditional Formatting: Highlight important trends and patterns in your data with conditional formatting.
- Pivot Tables: Summarize and analyze large datasets effortlessly with pivot tables.
- Charts and Graphs: Visualize your data with various chart types to better understand trends and insights.
- Filtering and Sorting: Easily organize and find data by applying filters and sorting options.
Also Check: Graphics Device Driver Error Code 22
How to Fix “Excel Spill Error”?
Here is a step-by-step guide to fix the problem. Follow the instructions below.
1. Identifying the Cause of #SPILL Error:
- Click the cell with #SPILL error.
- Look for an error icon beside it.
- Click the error icon.
- A drop-down menu appears.
- Choose the first option to see the error reason.

2. Solving #SPILL Error When Spill Range Isn’t Blank:
- Identify non-empty cells in spill range.
- Locate problematic content (e.g., “ABC” in B3).
- Select the non-empty cell(s).
- Press delete to clear content.
- Check if #SPILL error is resolved.

3. Solving #SPILL Error Due to Merged Cells:
- Search for merged cells in spill range.
- Select the merged cell(s).

- Right-click the selection.
- Choose “Unmerge Cells” from the menu.
- Verify if the #SPILL error is fixed.

4. Solving #SPILL Error in Excel Tables:
- Confirm data is within an Excel table.
- Right-click on the table.
- Choose “Tables > Convert to Range.”
- Convert the table to a normal range.
- Reapply the function causing the spill.

5. Handling #SPILL Error with Array Formulas:
- Ensure the spill range has enough empty cells.
- Identify if using functions like RANDARRAY.
- Make sure spill range is clear of data.
- For non-dynamic Excel, use Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
- Check if the array formula works correctly.
Also Check: Http Error 431
How to Prevent “Excel Spill Error” in Future?
There are multiple preventive measures to avoid this error occurring in the future. Here are some of them.
- Regular Backups: Make frequent backups of your Excel files to protect against data loss due to errors.
- Use Error Checking: Excel’s built-in error-checking tools can help catch issues before they become errors.
- Data Validation: Implement data validation rules to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
- Clear Formatting: Regularly clear unnecessary formatting to prevent conflicts and errors in your spreadsheets.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure you are using the latest version of Excel to benefit from bug fixes and improvements.
Conclusion
The “Spill Error” in Excel can be confusing for users.
However, this article provides an overview of the error, its common causes, and solutions to solve it.
It also offers some tips to prevent the Excel error from occurring in the future. If you have any queries or suggestions please comment below, we will get back to you shortly.
Also Check: Paramount Plus Error Code 4200
Excel Spill Error FAQs
An Excel Spill Error happens when a formula result spills into multiple cells instead of one.
It occurs when functions generate multiple results, causing data to overflow into nearby cells.
You can resolve it by adjusting formula references, clearing extra data, or using the “#” symbol.
Yes, by carefully organizing your data, using data validation, and keeping Excel updated.
If you see the error, leave a comment for assistance, and we’ll help you find a solution.