#GETTING_DATAExcel error guide No upload

#GETTING_DATA in Excel — Data still loading

#GETTING_DATA is temporary: Excel is waiting for a linked data type or external query to return. If it stays on screen, the connection is slow, blocked or broken.

Reviewed 31 October 2026 Tested in Excel 365; fixes apply to 2021, 2024 and Mac where the feature exists

The short answer

#GETTING_DATA is temporary: Excel is waiting for a linked data type or external query to return. If it stays on screen, the connection is slow, blocked or broken.

What it looks like

A cell shows #GETTING_DATA for more than a few seconds
The value eventually appears after a refresh
Other cells in the same column show real values

Why #GETTING_DATA happens

A slow external connection or data type refresh.
The data provider is temporarily unavailable.
The workbook is recalculating a large model.
A query is waiting for credentials or a network resource.

How to fix #GETTING_DATA

1
Wait, then refresh
Give the connection time to complete, then use Data → Refresh All. Avoid repeatedly refreshing while a query is still running.
2
Check the connection
Open Data → Queries & Connections and inspect the query status. A failed credentials prompt or offline source will leave the cell waiting.
3
Return a fallback in reports
If the value is not essential, wrap it in IFERROR or use a helper cell so the report can still display.
```
=IFERROR(A2,"Loading…")
```

Check it in your own workbook

Paste the formula into the free browser tools to see the exact fix without uploading your file. The Error Fixer explains the code, the Formula Checker finds syntax problems, and the Formula Explainer breaks down nested logic.

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Related functions

IFERROR IF

Frequently asked questions

What does #GETTING_DATA mean in Excel?

#GETTING_DATA is temporary: Excel is waiting for a linked data type or external query to return. If it stays on screen, the connection is slow, blocked or broken.

How do I fix #GETTING_DATA in Excel?

Wait, then refresh: Give the connection time to complete, then use Data → Refresh All. Avoid repeatedly refreshing while a query is still running. Check the connection: Open Data → Queries & Connections and inspect the query status. A failed credentials prompt or offline source will leave the cell waiting.

Why does #GETTING_DATA appear only in some rows?

Usually because only some rows contain the trigger: A slow external connection or data type refresh. The data provider is temporarily unavailable. The workbook is recalculating a large model.

How can I stop #GETTING_DATA from appearing again?

Fix the underlying reference or data type, then test the formula on a copy of the sheet before filling it down.

Related Excel error guides

All error codes →

#VALUE!Wrong value type#VALUE! means Excel expected a number, date or logical value but found text, an empty cell or a value from another data type. The fix is to convert the input, remove hidden characters, or guard the calculation with IFERROR.#REF!Broken cell reference#REF! means a formula points to a cell, row, column or sheet that no longer exists. It usually appears after deleting rows or columns, moving a sheet, or pasting a formula into a workbook that does not contain the referenced sheet.#N/ALookup value not found#N/A means a lookup or match function could not find the value. The value may be missing, spelled differently, stored as text instead of a number, or surrounded by spaces. Use exact-match mode and return a clear fallback.#DIV/0!Division by zero#DIV/0! appears when a formula divides by zero or by an empty cell. Excel treats a blank denominator as zero. Check the denominator, exclude blank rows, or return a controlled blank with IFERROR.

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What it looks like

Why #GETTING_DATA happens

How to fix #GETTING_DATA

Wait, then refresh

Check the connection

Return a fallback in reports

Check it in your own workbook

Related functions

Frequently asked questions

Related Excel error guides

Send the workbook and get the formula fixed

What it looks like

Why #GETTING_DATA happens

How to fix #GETTING_DATA

Wait, then refresh

Check the connection

Return a fallback in reports

Check it in your own workbook

Related functions

Frequently asked questions

Related Excel error guides

Send the workbook and get the formula fixed