DIAGNOSE → FIX

Excel #N/A Error

A lookup could not find the requested match.

LIKELY CAUSE

Why it happens

Check the lookup value, hidden spaces, data types and exact-match settings.

SAFE FIX

What to do

Use TRIM/CLEAN, compare data types, then verify the lookup range.

Debug in this order

  1. Reproduce the problem on the smallest sample that still fails.
  2. Inspect the exact keys, types, ranges or markup involved instead of only the displayed value.
  3. Fix the root cause, then rerun the original case and one known-good case.
  4. Document the rule if the same problem can return in recurring work.
WORKTOOLS RULE

Do not hide an unexplained data error with a cosmetic workaround. Make the input and matching logic predictable first.