If you’re having difficulties locating the issue behind the #NAME? error, we’ve got your back! In this article, we’ve covered the causes behind the #NAME? error and how you can fix them, so keep reading!
What is #NAME? Error?
The #NAME? error is a way of Excel alerting users about a potential error in the function of the argument passed. You may be dealing with a typing error in either the function of the argument. Besides this, your formula may have a syntax error. This includes missing commas, double quotations, and the colon symbol. Following is the list of causes that might’ve caused the #NAME? error in your worksheet:
Spelling Error Syntax ErrorUndefined Name RangeRange Beyond Scope
How to Fix #NAME? Error in Excel?
In the case of #NAME? error, a problem may have several fixes to it. For example, you may have an issue with the syntax, which any element can cause. Although this can sound a bit tricky initially, it gets easier once you go through the solutions.
Follow the Formula Wizard
The first problem we suspect after getting the #NAME? error is a typing error in the function. Excel will not recognize the command you’re asking to execute when you incorrectly type a function. To fix your typo, follow these steps: If this is a problem you frequently encounter, you can follow the Formula Wizard. You might’ve noticed that when you begin to type a formula, Excel will present you with a list of suggestions. Follow the wizard to type the function correctly.
Use Insert Function
If you’re new to using functions in Excel, take help from the Insert Function tool while entering formulas to avoid typos. You can either type the function or search functions by category. You will receive suggestions based on what you’ve searched, which you can insert on your cell. Follow these steps to use the Insert Function tool to enter a function in Excel:
Fix Syntax Error
You may have used an operator or a syntax in the formula. The syntax is important as it structures your command for Excel to execute it. When you enter a different syntax, Excel fails to understand your command and therefore alerts you with the #NAME? error. You must’ve either forgotten to add the comma, double quote, colon, and parentheses symbol incorrectly. The placement of these symbols is very important while structuring your syntax. Here is what the syntaxes mean in a formula:
Equals sign = activates the functionParentheses () groups argumentsColon : specifies a rangeComma , separates argumentsDouble Quote “” adds text to the formula
Here is how you can use each of these symbols correctly.
Use Name Manager
You cannot pass a name in a formula without defining its value. This is because the name holds no value on its own and cannot be used for calculation. Excel returns the error if you put an undefined name in a formula. You can easily define a name using the Name Manager tool in Excel. You can specify your name’s scope and source using the Name Manager. If you like, you can also add a comment for the name. Here are the steps you can refer to use Name Manager to define a name:
Correct the Defined Name
Sometimes, we get so invested in correcting the function and syntax that we skip through the defined name. If you spell the defined error incorrectly, Excel cannot locate and extract the value you wish from the worksheet. This then displayed the #NAME? Error. Select the cell with the error to view the formula in the formula bar. Look for any spelling errors in the defined name and rectify them accordingly.
Change Scope
Even if you’ve correctly used the defined name, the value you’ve specified for the scope must match the location of the referred cell. If your scope is within the Sheet, but the cell you’ve referred to the name falls outside the workbook, Excel cannot locate the cell. You cannot make edits on Scope for a named ranged. To fix this issue, you must delete the range and create a new one with proper scope. If you use this range in all sheets, select the Workbook option under Scope. Follow these steps to delete a range from the Name Manager: You can refer to the steps mentioned in the fix above to define a new name in Excel.
