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How to avoid #ref error while deleting the rows in Excel?

Author Sun Last modified

While you refer a cell to another cell, the cell will display #REF error if the reference row has been deleted as below screenshot shown. Now I will talk about how to avoid #ref error and automatically refer to next cell while deleting the row.

sample data arrow right avoid #ref error while deleting rows

Avoid #REF error while deleting the rows

Avoid #REF error while deleting the rows

To avoid #REF error, you cannot use the general formula =cell reference, you need another formula.

Select a cell next to the cell you need to use a formula to refer a row to it and type the row number difference between the cell and reference cell. For instance, I want to refer B12 to B2, then type 10 into C2. See screenshot:
Select a cell and type the row number difference between the cell and reference cell

The in the cell B2, type =OFFSET(B2,C2,), and press Enter key.
enter a formula

Now while you deleting the row 12, the cell content will be updated and get the value in new row 12.

original data arrow right the cell content will be updated when deleting row
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