#NAME? Error in VLOOKUP: Causes and Solutions

#NAME?

+VLOOKUP

# Understanding the #NAME? Error in VLOOKUP VLOOKUP is one of Excel's most powerful lookup functions, but it frequently triggers the #NAME? error—a frustrating roadblock for many users. This error occurs when Excel doesn't recognize the formula syntax you've entered, typically due to simple typing mistakes or structural issues. The good news? #NAME? errors in VLOOKUP are among the easiest to fix. In most cases, the problem stems from misspelled function names, missing parentheses, or incorrect syntax in the formula structure. Unlike more complex Excel errors that require deep troubleshooting, #NAME? usually signals a straightforward fix. Whether you're new to VLOOKUP or an experienced user who's encountered this error, this guide will walk you through the common causes and solutions. By understanding what triggers #NAME?, you'll quickly resolve the issue and get back to analyzing your data confidently.

Why VLOOKUP causes #NAME?

Misspelled VLOOKUP function name

The function is typed incorrectly (e.g., VLOOKUP instead of VLOOKUP, or VLOOK). Excel cannot recognize the misspelled function name and returns #NAME?.

=VLOKUP(A1,B2:D100,2,FALSE) or =VLOOK(A1,B2:D100,2,FALSE)

Missing or mismatched quotes in lookup_value string

When lookup_value is a text string, missing or improperly closed quotes cause Excel to interpret it as an undefined named range rather than a text value. This triggers #NAME? before VLOOKUP even executes.

=VLOOKUP(Product,A2:C100,2,FALSE) where 'Product' should be "Product" or =VLOOKUP("Product,A2:C100,2,FALSE) with mismatched quotes

Undefined named range used as table_array parameter

If table_array references a named range that doesn't exist in the workbook, Excel cannot resolve the name and returns #NAME? instead of a lookup error. This occurs before VLOOKUP evaluates the lookup itself.

=VLOOKUP(A1,ProductTable,2,FALSE) where 'ProductTable' is not defined as a named range in the workbook

Step-by-Step Solution

1Click on the cell displaying the #NAME? error to select it and view the formula in the formula bar (Ctrl+` toggles formula view if needed)
2Check the formula bar for spelling errors in 'VLOOKUP' — common mistakes include 'VLOOKUP' misspelled as 'VLOOKUP', 'VLOOKUP', or missing the 'V' entirely
3Verify that the formula uses proper syntax: =VLOOKUP(lookup_value, table_array, col_index_num, [range_lookup]) with correct comma or semicolon separators based on your regional settings
4If using named ranges, press Ctrl+F3 to open the Name Manager and confirm all referenced range names exist and are spelled correctly in your formula
5Check for leading/trailing spaces or special characters around the VLOOKUP function name — delete and retype the formula if necessary
6Ensure you haven't accidentally used a different function name or wrapped VLOOKUP in an undefined custom function — use Find & Replace (Ctrl+H) to search for the exact formula text
7If regional settings use semicolons instead of commas, replace all commas with semicolons: =VLOOKUP(lookup_value; table_array; col_index_num; [range_lookup])
8Press Enter to confirm the corrected formula and verify the #NAME? error is resolved

Concrete Example

Employee salary lookup in HR database

An HR manager uses VLOOKUP to retrieve employee salaries from a master database based on employee ID entered in a report.

Before (error)

=VLOOKUP(B2,EmployeList,4,FALSE)

After (fixed)

=VLOOKUP(B2,EmployeeList,4,FALSE)

Problem: The #NAME? error appears because the formula references a named range that doesn't exist or was deleted. The user typed 'EmployeList' instead of 'EmployeeList'.

Solution: Correct the spelling of the named range to match exactly what was defined in the Name Manager, or create the missing named range.

Prevention Tip

Always enclose your lookup value in quotes if it's text, and verify the table array range includes both the lookup column and return column—#NAME? often occurs when Excel can't recognize VLOOKUP due to a typo in the function name or missing closing parenthesis.

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