A TI-84 error message names the problem after ERR:, such as ERR:SYNTAX for a typing mistake or ERR:INVALID DIM for a stat plot left on. Choose 2:Goto to jump to the spot that caused it, or 1:Quit to return to the home screen. The table below lists every common error with its fix.
How to clear an error on a TI-84
Every error screen offers the same two choices. You can practice them on the free TI-84 calculator online, which shows the same messages.
- Read the line after ERR: to see what went wrong.
- Press 2 for Goto to return to your entry with the cursor on the problem.
- Fix the mistake and press ENTER again.
- Or press 1 for Quit to drop the entry and start over.
Every common TI-84 error
| Error | What it means | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| ERR:SYNTAX | The entry breaks the rules, such as a stray comma or the subtraction key used for a negative. | Use (−) for negatives. Check commas and parentheses. |
| ERR:DOMAIN | A value is outside what a function accepts, such as sin⁻¹(2). | Check the input value. |
| ERR:DIM MISMATCH | Two lists have different lengths, as in a regression with L1 and L2. | Make both lists the same length in STAT, Edit. |
| ERR:INVALID DIM | A list has the wrong size. Usually a stat plot is on with an empty list. | Press 2nd Y=, 4 for PlotsOff, then ENTER. |
| ERR:WINDOW RANGE | Xmin is not less than Xmax, or Ymin is not less than Ymax. | Press ZOOM, 6 for ZStandard, or fix the values in WINDOW. |
| ERR:DIVIDE BY 0 | The entry divides by zero. | Check the denominator. |
| ERR:NONREAL ANS | The answer is complex while MODE is set to REAL, such as √(−4). | Set MODE to a+bi if you expect complex answers. |
| ERR:ARGUMENT | A function has too many or too few arguments. | Check how many values the function needs. |
| ERR:DATA TYPE | A value is the wrong kind, such as a list where a number belongs. | Give each input the type it expects. |
| ERR:UNDEFINED | A variable has no value yet, such as x̄ before 1-Var Stats. | Run the command that creates the value first. |
| ERR:OVERFLOW | The result is beyond 9.999999999E99. | Rewrite with smaller numbers. |
| ERR:BOUND | In CALC, the left bound is to the right of the right bound. | Set the left bound to the left of the point. |
| ERR:BAD GUESS | In CALC or Solver, the guess is outside the bounds or where the function is undefined. | Move the guess between the bounds. |
| ERR:NO SIGN CHNG | Solver or TVM found no point where the value changes sign. | Check the equation or the signs of the money values. |
| ERR:SINGULAR MAT | The matrix has a determinant of 0, so it has no inverse. | Check the entries, or use rref( instead. |
| ERR:STAT | A statistics command cannot run on this data, such as a regression with too few points. | Add data or check that the lists are correct. |
| ERR:TOL NOT MET | fnInt( or a solver could not reach the required accuracy. | Narrow the interval. |
| ERR:ARCHIVED | The item is in archive memory and cannot be used. | Press 2nd +, 6 for UnArchive, then choose the item. |
| ERR:MEMORY | There is not enough free memory. | Delete or archive unused programs and lists. |
| ERR:INVALID | A variable or function is used where it is not allowed, such as Y1 inside Y1. | Type the expression directly instead. |
List errors usually mean old data, as the standard deviation calculator page explains. Window errors are covered on the online graphing calculator page. If an error keeps returning, see how to reset a TI-84.
FAQ
What does ERR:SYNTAX mean on a TI-84?
It means the calculator cannot read what you typed. The most common cause is using the subtraction key for a negative number instead of the (−) key. Missing commas, extra parentheses, and a function name with nothing after it also trigger it. Choose 2:Goto to see the exact spot.
How do I fix ERR:INVALID DIM on a TI-84?
Turn off the stat plots. Press 2nd Y= to open STAT PLOT, choose 4 for PlotsOff, and press ENTER. The error usually appears when you press GRAPH while a plot is on and its list is empty. If it appears elsewhere, check the size of the list you used.
Why does my TI-84 say ERR:DIM MISMATCH?
Two lists that should match have different lengths. Regressions and 2-Var Stats pair L1 with L2 one value at a time, so a missing or extra entry breaks the pairing. Open STAT, Edit and compare the bottom of each list. Add the missing value or delete the extra one.
Does resetting a TI-84 fix errors?
Sometimes, but try a smaller fix first. Most errors come from one entry, a stat plot, or a window setting, and fixing that is faster. If odd results keep appearing, reset only the defaults from the MEMORY menu. That restores MODE and window settings while keeping your lists and programs.
What is ERR:WINDOW RANGE on a TI-84?
Your graphing window has an impossible shape, usually because Xmin is greater than or equal to Xmax, or Ymin is greater than or equal to Ymax. Press ZOOM and then 6 for ZStandard to restore the default window, or press WINDOW and type the values again.