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NAME Error in Excel (#NAME?)

NAME Error in Excel (#NAME?)- What Causes it and How to Correct it?

If you have worked with Excel formulas for a while, I am infallible that you must have encountered the #NAME error.

 

Like any other Excel error, the #NAME error also occurs in specific situations (which I will cover in this tutorial), and there are some simple ways to find and fix the #NAME error.

 

What causes the #NAME Error?

 

When you use a formula that gives you a NAME error, it means that the formula can not recognize something in it.

 

Let’s look at some of the most typical issues that can cause a name error to raise its ugly head in your spreadsheet.

 

Misspelled Formula Name

One of the most common reasons people see the name error is when they have used the wrong formula name.

Below is an example where I have used the wrong formula name and slapped with the name error.
Wrong formula name giving NAME Error

Misspelled Named Range

If you work with named ranges, there is a possibility that you have misspelt them. And since Excel has no concept of what range to refer to in this case, it shows the name error.

Below I have an example where I have used the named range name “Scores” for data in columns A and B.

Named Range for a selected range

And when I used the wrong name in the formulas (where ‘s’ is missing in “Score”), Excel delivered me the name error.

Misspelled named range in the formula

As a best practice, I always let Excel show me the Named Range names while typing.

For example, if I have a named range ‘Scores’ and type ‘Sco’, Excel will be helpful and show me all the names that match the text I entered (i.e., all the words starting with “Sco”).

Excel formula showing named ranges matching the entered text

Incorrect Range

In case you’re manually entering the range, there is a chance that you may make a mistake and end up with a name error.

Incorrect range with a missing colon

How to Fix the #NAME erorrs in Excel

Now that I have covered most of the reasons that can cause a name error in your worksheet, let’s look at some simple tips that will help you avoid this error from cropping up in your work.

Use the Formula Assistance

When you Enter an equal-to sign and start typing the formula’s name, you will see that Excel shows you all the matching words of the formulas.

Formula assist that shows a list of formulas

I am not 100% sure what this feature is called, but I call this formula assistance.

Instead of manually typing the formula in total, it would help if you choose the from the list. Makes sure that the name of the formula is not misspelt.

 

If you have named ranges or tables, you will also see those show up in the list, making it easy to avoid misspelt words.

Use the Formula Wizard

If you’re not sure about the function’s arguments (any error that can result in the name error), you can use the formula wizard.

Click on the fx icon just next to the formula bar to open it.

Click on the FX icon

In the Insert Function dialogue box, enter the formula name (you can also enter a partial name and then search) and double-click on it.

It opens the Function Arguments dialogue box, which shows a lot of help on each argument.

Function argument dialog box

If you’re new to Excel formula, I suggest you use the Formula Wizard till you are confident enough to use formulas directly in the worksheet.

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