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A #N/A result from FILTER can mean the selected condition matches no rows. This practice uses five fictional tasks. The finish line is two complete Open task rows: TK-401 followed by TK-403.
Download the CSV practice file and independent answer check. Import the CSV into a new Google Sheet so headers occupy A1:C1 and task data occupies A2:C6. Use a blank area beginning in E2 for formulas; keep E2:G3 clear for the expected result.
Diagnose the no-match message
- In E2, enter:
=FILTER(A2:C6,C2:C6="Approved")No row in this practice source has status Approved. Google documents that FILTER returns #N/A when no values satisfy a condition. Read the cell's exact error detail.
- In a separate empty cell outside the possible spill range, enter
=COUNTIF(C2:C6,"Approved"). The expected count is 0. Enter=COUNTIF(C2:C6,"Open")to confirm 2 source rows match the intended condition. - Change E2 to:
=FILTER(A2:C6,C2:C6="Open")- Inspect E2:G3. It should show exactly two rows: TK-401 / Send estimate / Open and TK-403 / Check invoice / Open. Compare the complete rows with the answer check.
Check range sizes if the detail differs
The source A2:C6 contains five rows, so its status condition must use five rows too: C2:C6. A reference ending at C5 tests four rows and does not align with the source. Google's FILTER syntax requires matching condition length. Correct the range boundary when the error detail points to a size mismatch. Do not treat every FILTER error as a no-match case.
FAQ
Should I wrap the first formula in IFERROR? First inspect the criterion and range. Hiding the error would make this exercise harder to diagnose. You can choose a deliberate fallback later when an empty result is normal in your own workflow.
Why count separately? COUNTIF tells you whether a status appears at all. The final FILTER output still needs a row-by-row check to ensure the right IDs and descriptions came back.
Does FILTER change the source table? This formula produces an output in E2:G3. The practice source remains in A1:C6.
What if I see a formula parse error instead of a no-match result? The formulas above use U.S. comma separators. Check this practice copy's File > Settings > Locale before diagnosing FILTER itself; another spreadsheet locale may expect semicolons between arguments. Changing locale affects the whole spreadsheet's date, number, and currency defaults, so avoid changing a shared file without agreement. Google's locale guide explains the setting.
Source and visual note
Vendor guidance checked 12 October 2026. The exact fictional five-row table and formulas were tested in a private Google Sheet: Approved produced a no-match #N/A; Open returned TK-401 and TK-403; COUNTIF returned 0 and 2; a four-row condition produced a size-mismatch detail. The companion video uses labelled English illustrative diagrams rather than app captures.
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