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#NAME? Error in Excel

#NAME? means Excel cannot interpret a token as a function, named range, or valid reference.

Primary causes

• Misspelled function: VLOKUP instead of VLOOKUP
• Text without quotes: =IF(A1=Yes,1,0) → use "Yes"
• Undefined named range (deleted or missing)
• Version/add-in: function not available (see _xlfn. prefix)
• Curly quotes pasted from Word/web

Fix workflow

1. Read the formula bar carefully
2. Match function names to IntelliSense suggestions
3. Wrap text literals in straight double quotes
4. Formulas → Name Manager — repair or delete broken names
5. If you see _xlfn., the file needs a newer Excel or a compatible formula rewrite

Bad:  =IF(A1=Open,"Y","N")
Good: =IF(A1="Open","Y","N")

Bad:  =VLOKUP(B1,D:E,2,FALSE)
Good: =VLOOKUP(B1,D:E,2,FALSE)

Related

#NAME? hub · Error directory · #VALUE!