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The #NAME error in Excel occurs when a formula or function refers to a name that cannot be recognized. This can be easily fixed by correcting the name reference in the formula. Here are three examples of how the #NAME error can be resolved:
1. Check for typos: Often, the #NAME error is caused by a simple typo in the formula. Double check all the names used in the formula and make sure they are spelled correctly.
2. Use the correct cell references: If a formula refers to a cell that has been renamed or deleted, the #NAME error will appear. Make sure all the cell references in the formula are correct.
3. Use the correct function name: Excel has a specific syntax for each function, and using the wrong function name can result in the #NAME error. Refer to the Excel help or documentation to ensure that the correct function name is used in the formula.
Fix the #NAME Error in Excel (3 Examples)
There are three common reasons why you may encounter the #NAME? error in Excel:
1. You mistyped a formula.
2. You left out a colon in a range reference.
3. You left out quotation marks for text values.
The following examples show how to fix each error in practice.
Example 1: You Mistyped a Formula
Suppose we attempt to calculate the average value in column B using the following formula:
=AVERAG(B2:B15)We will receive a #NAME? error since we mistyped AVERAGE in the formula:
To correct this error, we simply need to make sure we spell the formula correctly:
=AVERAGE(B2:B15)This time we’re able to successfully calculate the average value in column B without an error:
Example 2: You Left Out a Colon in a Range Reference
Suppose we attempt to count the number of teams with a value of “Thunder” in column A using the following formula:
=COUNTIF(A2A15, "Thunder")
To correct this error, we simply need to make sure we include a colon in the range reference:
=COUNTIF(A2:A15, "Thunder")This time we’re able to successfully count the number of teams with a value of “Thunder” in column A without an error:
Example 3: You Left Out Quotation Marks for Text Values
Suppose we attempt to concatenate the values in column A and column B using the following formula:
=CONCAT(A2, scored, B2)
We will receive a #NAME? error since we left out quotation marks around “scored” in the formula:
To correct this error, we simply need to make sure we include quotation marks around “scored” in the formula:
=CONCAT(A2, " scored ", B2)
This time we’re able to successfully concatenate the values in column A and column B without an error:
Additional Resources
The following tutorials explain how to resolve other common errors in Excel:
Cite this article
stats writer (2024). “How can I fix the #NAME error in Excel? (3 examples)”. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Retrieved from https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-fix-the-name-error-in-excel-3-examples/
stats writer. "“How can I fix the #NAME error in Excel? (3 examples)”." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 29 Jun. 2024, https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-fix-the-name-error-in-excel-3-examples/.
stats writer. "“How can I fix the #NAME error in Excel? (3 examples)”." PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, 2024. https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-fix-the-name-error-in-excel-3-examples/.
stats writer (2024) '“How can I fix the #NAME error in Excel? (3 examples)”', PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. Available at: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/stats/how-can-i-fix-the-name-error-in-excel-3-examples/.
[1] stats writer, "“How can I fix the #NAME error in Excel? (3 examples)”," PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES, vol. X, no. Y, ص Z-Z, June, 2024.
stats writer. “How can I fix the #NAME error in Excel? (3 examples)”. PSYCHOLOGICAL SCALES. 2024;vol(issue):pages.