Learning Microsoft Excel

[MSC290]

#NAME error message in Excel.

Here is what is listed for possible problems resulting in the #NAME error message. Check cell F2 for a possible entry error. Also check that there are no spaces in the =IF formula anywhere.

Good luck.

What does the error #NAME? mean?
The #NAME? error value occurs when Microsoft Excel doesn't recognize text in a formula.

Possible cause Suggested action
Deleting a name used in the formula, or using a name that does not exist. Make sure the name exists. On the Insert menu, point to Name, and then click Define. If the name is not listed, add the name by using the Define command.
Misspelling the name. Correct the spelling.
To insert the correct name in the formula, you can select the name in the formula bar, point to Name on the Insert menu, and then click Paste. In the Paste Name dialog box, click the name you want to use, and then click OK.

Using a label in a formula. On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Calculation tab. Under Workbook options, select the Accept labels in formulas check box.
Misspelling the name of a function. Correct the spelling. Insert the correct function name into the formula by using the Formula Palette.
If the worksheet function is part of an add-in program, the add-in program must be loaded. For more information about using add-in programs, click .

Entering text in a formula without enclosing the text in double quotation marks. Microsoft Excel tries to interpret your entry as a name even though you intended it to be used as text. Enclose text in the formula in double quotation marks. For example, the following formula joins a piece of text "The total amount is " with the value in cell B50:
="The total amount is "&B50

Omitting a colon (:) in a range reference. Make sure all range references in the formula use a colon (:), for example, SUM(A1:C10).