Error ExplainerExcel #NAME? error
A plain-words explanation of this Excel message: what it means, the usual causes, and the steps that fix it.
The message#NAME?
Make the error yourself
Typed into Microsoft Excel 16.0 build 20326. This is the smallest example we could find that shows it.
| Cell | What was typed |
|---|---|
| A1 | 10 |
| A2 | 20 |
| A3 | 30 |
| B1 | =SUMM(A1:A3) |
The cell looked at: B1.
Excel shows: #NAME?
Why it happens
Excel does not recognise a word in the formula. The most common reasons are a misspelt function name (SUMM instead of SUM), a missing quotation mark so that Excel reads text as a name (=IF(A1=Yes,1,0) instead of "Yes"), a named range that does not exist or is spelled differently, a function that your version of Excel does not have (a new function opened in an older Excel), and a missing colon in a range (A1A3).
How to fix it
- Click the cell and look at the formula bar. Check each function name. When you type the name Excel suggests names below the cell: choose from the list.
- Put text values in double quotes.
- For named ranges open Formulas > Name Manager and check the name.
- If the formula uses a newer function, check that your Excel version has it; older versions show
#NAME?for functions they do not know. - In some countries a formula must use the list separator of your regional settings (a semicolon instead of a comma).
The corrected version
| Cell | What was typed |
|---|---|
| A1 | 10 |
| A2 | 20 |
| A3 | 30 |
| B1 | =SUM(A1:A3) |
The cell looked at: B1.
Excel shows: 60
How to avoid it
Let Excel complete function names, and use the formula wizard (the fx button) for functions you do not know well.
Questions
Why does a formula I copied from the web show #NAME?
It may use a function that your Excel version does not have, or a different list separator. Try the same formula with a semicolon.
This is an independent guide. It is not connected with Python, Microsoft, Google, GitHub or the Git project. Product names belong to their owners. Examples were run on 13 November 2026 in a practice folder or a blank workbook; your version may word a message slightly differently.