FIX: Excel cannot complete this task with available resources

The ‘Excel ran out of resources while attempting to calculate’ error message occurs when you have mistyped a formula in your Excel sheet, interference from third-party add-ins, the number of allocated calculation threads, and more.

Typically, the issue arises from incorrect cell configurations in your formulas that hinder Microsoft Excel from carrying out its calculations. This guide will demonstrate how to address these potential causes related to the error message.

1. Look for Incorrect Formulas

When facing this issue, you should initially inspect your sheet for any incorrect formulas. An error will occur if even a single cell’s formula fails to evaluate correctly.

Given that this can be a challenging task, especially in voluminous Excel sheets, we recommend making a duplicate of your worksheet and sequentially deleting cells to pinpoint the issue. Once you locate the erroneous cell, correct the Excel formula. The error message should then be resolved.

Moreover, activating the error-checking feature can help you spot potential formula problems.

1. Open your Excel sheet.
2. Go to Formulas > Formula Auditing > Error Checking.

   

3. Check the Enable background error checking box.

   

2. Change the Number of Calculation Threads

Microsoft Excel’s multi-threading functionality, which uses multiple threads to calculate the sheet’s formulas, can also be at the root of this issue. Adjusting the number of calculation threads may resolve the resource concerns with Excel.

1. Open Microsoft Excel.
2. Click on the File option in the upper left corner.
3. Select Options from the File menu.

   

4. Navigate to the Advanced tab; under Formulas, check the Enable multi-threaded calculation box.

   

5. Select the Manual option and enter a value that is one less than your total number of processor threads. For instance, input 11 if your processor has 12 threads.
6. Test if this alteration fixes the problem.
7. If the issue persists, try setting the Manual value to 1 and reevaluate.

3. Disable Third-Party Add-ins

Third-party add-ins may conflict with your Excel worksheet, leading to the error message. Disabling any installed third-party add-ins may resolve this issue.

1. Enter the File menu in Excel.
2. Select the Options option.

   

3. Go to the Add-ins tab on the left.

   

4. Select Excel Add-ins from the Manage menu, and click on Go.

   

5. The Add-ins dialog will appear.
6. Deselect all add-ins and click OK.
7. Restart Excel and check if the error message has been resolved.

4. Disable Workbook Recalculation (for Simple Usage)

Should you encounter the Excel ran out of resources error without utilizing complex formulas, disabling workbook recalculation may be a solution.

This recalibration occurs each time your worksheet is updated with a new cell or formula alteration. 

1. Open the File menu and select Options in Excel.

   

2. Switch to the Formulas tab in the Excel Options window.
3. Choose the Manual option under Workbook Calculation.
4. Uncheck the Recalculate workbook before saving option.

   

5. Update Microsoft Excel

An outdated version of Excel can often be the source of the error message, as exemplified by a bug in Microsoft Excel 16 version 2210 that affected numerous users. Subsequent updates have repaired these issues, so updating your Excel application is recommended as a potential fix.

1. Access the File menu located at the top left.
2. Move to the Account tab on the left.

   

3. Use the Update Options drop-down under Product Information and select Update Now.

   

4. Wait for Excel to check for any available updates and install them.
5. Determine if the error is resolved.

6. Use Safe Mode

Using Excel’s Safe Mode feature can help identify if a custom setting or third-party file is the cause of the problem because in Safe Mode, Excel runs without these additional elements.

Reset the application to factory defaults if the issue does not occur in Safe Mode.

1. Press Win key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type excel /safe in the Run box and hit Enter.

   

3. Alternatively, hold the CTRL key while opening Excel to start in Safe Mode.

7. Use 64-bit Office

Running the x86 (32-bit) version of Microsoft Office can also result in the error message during formula calculation. Opting for the 64-bit version is advantageous because it processes data in larger chunks, which could be more efficient.

1. Access the File menu and navigate to the Account tab.

   

2. Click on About Excel to check your Office version.

   

3. You’ll see whether it’s 64-bit or 32-bit.
4. If you have the 32-bit version, visit the Office website and download the 64-bit version.
5. Install it on your computer to check if the issue persists.

Note: Ensure that you’re running 64-bit Windows before installing 64-bit software. Check your Windows architecture by pressing Win key + I to open Settings, then navigate to System > About under Device Specifications.

8. Reinstall Excel

Corrupted installation files of Microsoft Excel might be another reason for the error. In such cases, reinstalling Microsoft Excel is advisable.

1. Open the Start Menu and search for the Control Panel, then open it.

   

2. Select the Uninstall a program option in the Control Panel.

   

3. Find and double-click on Microsoft Office in the list of programs.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to uninstall the application from your computer.
5. Then, re-acquire the Office installer and execute it on your system.
6. After installing Microsoft Office, check if the problem persists.

These solutions should help you eliminate the error message. For ongoing issues, reach out to the Office support team for further assistance.