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Fix the Circular error
Excel & Google SheetsWhat Circular means
A circular reference happens when a formula depends on its own result — either directly (a cell refers to itself) or through a loop of cells that point back to the start. The spreadsheet cannot settle on an answer.
Common causes
- A formula includes its own cell in its range, e.g. =SUM(A1:A10) typed into A10.
- A chain of cells references each other in a loop (A1 → B1 → A1).
- A running total accidentally includes the cell it is written in.
Example fix
Broken
=SUM(A1:A10)Fixed
=SUM(A1:A9)Typed into A10, the first version sums itself. Exclude the formula’s own cell from the range.
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How to fix it
- 1In Excel, check Formulas → Error Checking → Circular References to jump straight to the offending cell.
- 2In Google Sheets, the error message names the cell where the loop is detected.
- 3Adjust the range so the formula no longer includes its own cell — e.g. =SUM(A1:A9) in A10, not =SUM(A1:A10).
- 4Break the loop by introducing a separate helper cell instead of pointing two cells at each other.
- 5Only enable iterative calculation if you intentionally need a converging loop, and you understand the consequences.
Stop hunting errors by hand.
Upload your spreadsheet and the Auditor flags every Circular and broken formula at once — or paste this one formula and get the fix explained.
Frequently asked
How do I find a circular reference in Excel?
Go to Formulas → Error Checking → Circular References. Excel lists the cells involved so you can open and fix each one.
Should I turn on iterative calculation?
Only if the loop is intentional (some financial models need it). For an accidental circular reference, fix the formula instead.