SpreadsheetFormulas
Error Troubleshooting Last updated: 2026-08-20

How to Fix the #NAME? Error in Excel & Google Sheets (Formula Typos)

Fix misspelled function names, unquoted text strings, missing named ranges, and formula syntax typos causing the #NAME? error.

Quick Answer & Formula
Excel Sheets Beginner
=VLOOKUP("Acme", Table, 2, FALSE) -- ensure text strings have double quotes

The #NAME? error occurs when Excel does not recognize text within a formula. Common causes: misspelled function names (e.g. =VLOOKP), text strings missing quotation marks (="USA" not =USA), or referencing a deleted Named Range.

How to Fix the #NAME? Error in Excel & Google Sheets

The #NAME? error indicates that Excel’s formula engine encountered a word or identifier it does not recognize.

🔍 The 4 Quick Fixes for #NAME?

1. Check Function Spelling

  • ❌ =VLOKUP(A2, B:C, 2, FALSE) $\rightarrow$ ✅ =VLOOKUP(A2, B:C, 2, FALSE)
  • ❌ =AVERGE(A1:A10) $\rightarrow$ ✅ =AVERAGE(A1:A10)

2. Add Quotation Marks Around Text Strings

  • ❌ =IF(A2 = Approved, 100, 0) $\rightarrow$ Excel looks for a Named Range called Approved.
  • ✅ =IF(A2 = "Approved", 100, 0) $\rightarrow$ Evaluates as text literal.

3. Check for Missing Colons in Ranges

  • ❌ =SUM(A1 A10) $\rightarrow$ Space instead of colon.
  • ✅ =SUM(A1:A10) $\rightarrow$ Valid range reference.

4. Version Compatibility

If someone opens a workbook using XLOOKUP or TEXTSPLIT on an older standalone Excel 2013/2016, Excel displays =_xlfn.XLOOKUP(...) and throws #NAME?.

  • Fix: Use INDEX/MATCH or upgrade to modern Microsoft 365.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do unquoted words cause #NAME? errors?

Excel treats any unquoted word (like USA or Active) as a Named Range. If no Named Range with that name exists, Excel throws #NAME?. Wrap text in double quotes: "USA".