Fix Excel Defined Name Already Exists Error for a Cell Range
Question details
The user needs to create or reuse a name for a cell or range, but the requested name is already defined in the workbook.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a named cell or named range for use in formulas, data validation, charts, or navigation.
- Observed behavior
- Excel prevents the new name from being created and reports that the name already exists.
Check the exact spelling of the name you want to use, including underscores and numbers. A defined name may already exist at the workbook level or on a specific worksheet.
Find and edit the existing defined name in Name Manager
Use this method when you need to keep the existing name but point it to a different cell or range.
A workbook cannot contain two defined names with the same name in the same scope. Name Manager lets you locate the existing entry and change its reference instead of creating a duplicate.
In Excel, select the Formulas tab and click Name Manager.
In the Name Manager list, find the name shown in the error message. Review its Scope and the Refers to field to identify the current cell or range.
Select the name and click Edit. In Refers to, enter or select the new cell or range reference, then click OK.
Click Close in Name Manager, then use the name in a formula or select it from the Name Box to verify that it points to the intended range.
Delete an unused defined name before creating a new one
Use this method when the existing name is obsolete and is not needed by formulas, charts, or other workbook features.
Create the range with a different unique name
Use this option when both the existing name and the new range must remain available in the workbook.
Manage Duplicate Defined Names in WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Spreadsheets lets you review and manage named ranges from the Formulas tools. You can edit an existing name's reference, remove an unused entry, or create a distinct name for another range without disrupting your worksheet workflow.
- 1. Open the workbook in WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office, open the Excel workbook, and select the worksheet containing the named range.
- 2. Open name management tools: Select the Formulas tab and open the Name Manager or defined-name management option.
- 3. Review the existing name: Find the duplicate name and inspect the range shown in its reference field.
- 4. Edit, delete, or rename the entry: Change the reference if the name should point elsewhere, delete it if it is no longer used, or assign a different unique name to the new range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel say a defined name already exists?
The workbook already contains that name in the same scope. Open Formulas > Name Manager to find the existing entry and review its Refers to value.
Can two worksheets use the same named range?
Yes, if each name is created with worksheet scope. Workbook-scoped names must be unique across the entire workbook, while worksheet-scoped names can be reused on different sheets.
How do I change what a named range refers to in Excel?
Go to Formulas > Name Manager, select the name, click Edit, update the Refers to field with the new cell or range, and click OK.
What happens if I delete a defined name in Excel?
Any formula, chart, data validation rule, or other feature that uses the deleted name may show an error. Check where the name is used before choosing Delete in Formulas > Name Manager.
