A formula in a cell that directly or indirectly refers to that same cell is called a circular reference. This cannot be!
- For example, a formula in a cell A3 the picture below refers to a cell A3 (i.e., on itself), which cannot be.
Note: If you create such a circular reference, Excel will return “0”.
- One more example. Formula in a cell С2 the following figure refers to a cell C1.
- Formula in a cell C3 refers to a cell С2.
- Formula in a cell C4 refers to a cell С3.
- It’s okay for now. Now change the value in the cell C1 to the following formula:
Explanation:
- Cell С1 refers to a cell C4.
- С4 refers to a cell C3.
- С3 refers to a cell C2.
- С2 refers to a cell C1.
- In other words, the formula in the cell C1 indirectly refers to itself, which should not be.
Note: If you create such a circular reference, Excel will return “0”.
- To find circular references in a document, on the tab Formulas (Formulas) click on the down arrow next to the icon Checking error (Check for Errors) and click Circular References (Circular references).