Microsoft KB Archive/79044

{|
 * width="100%"|

Excel: Functions Return Zero with a Circular Reference

 * }

-

The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
 * Microsoft Excel for OS/2 versions 2.2, 2.21, and 3.0

-

SUMMARY
In a Microsoft Excel function, when an argument is used that is the result of a circular reference, that function will also return a zero.

MORE INFORMATION
Microsoft Excel cannot resolve a circular reference, or a reference that refers to itself. When a formula is entered that contains a circular reference as one of its arguments, Microsoft Excel returns a zero for that formula.

WORKAROUND
If the circular reference is intentional, choose Calculation from the Options menu, select Iterations, and change the number of Iterations to 1. If the circular reference is unintentional, remove it.