# #SPILL!

a formula returns multiple values but cannot write them out.

## what it means

A dynamic array formula needs a block of empty cells to spill its results into. If anything blocks that block — data, a merged cell, the edge of the grid — the whole formula returns #SPILL! instead of a partial result.

## common causes

- a non-empty cell inside the spill range
- merged cells overlapping the spill range
- the spill range would run past the edge of the grid
- a spill inside a table, which cannot hold dynamic arrays

## how to fix it

- clear the blocking cells (selecting the error usually outlines the blocked range)
- move the formula somewhere with room to expand
- aggregate to a single value instead, e.g. =SUM(A1:A5)

## related

#CALC! · #REF!

## navigate

- [all error values](https://deepcalc.com/errors.md)
- [function index](https://deepcalc.com/functions.md) · [concepts](https://deepcalc.com/concepts.md) · [limits](https://deepcalc.com/limits.md)

source: https://deepcalc.com/errors/spill