Formula Errors

How to Filter for #NAME? Errors in Excel AutoFilter

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to filter out rows that contain the #NAME? error in Excel, but using the standard AutoFilter drop-down checklist returns zero matching rows.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to isolate and troubleshoot #NAME? formula errors in a large dataset using the AutoFilter tool.
Observed behavior: Selecting the #NAME? option from the AutoFilter checklist yields no results because Excel interprets the question mark as a wildcard character instead of a literal question mark.

Before you start

Ensure that the column you are filtering actually contains formula errors rather than text strings formatted to look like errors, as this can affect which filter type (Number vs. Text) Excel displays.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the 'Equals' Custom Filter

Bypass the standard checklist interpretation by using the specific 'Equals' dialog box to find the exact error value.

In a standard text filter checklist, Excel treats the question mark (?) as a wildcard representing any single character. By using the 'Equals' function under custom filters, you force Excel to match the specific error output.

Open AutoFilter options

Click the drop-down filter arrow on the header of the column containing the #NAME? errors.

Select the Equals option

Hover over 'Number Filters' (or 'Text Filters', depending on your data types) and select 'Equals...' from the context menu.

Enter the exact error value

In the Custom AutoFilter dialog box, type #NAME? into the input field next to the 'equals' condition.

Apply the filter

Click OK to apply the filter. Excel will now display all rows containing the exact #NAME? error.

Alternative Wildcard Escape Method: You can also search for the literal question mark by placing a tilde (~) before it. Typing #NAME~? in the AutoFilter search box will also successfully display the error rows.

Advanced Data Filtering

Filter and Troubleshoot Errors Seamlessly in WPS Spreadsheets

WPS Spreadsheets offers a robust, user-friendly data filtering system that handles formula errors and wildcards effortlessly. It provides an intuitive interface to isolate, analyze, and resolve formula errors quickly.

1. Open your dataset: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open the workbook containing the formula errors.
2. Enable the AutoFilter tool: Navigate to the 'Data' tab on the top ribbon and click the 'AutoFilter' button to apply drop-down arrows to your headers.
3. Access Custom Filters: Click the drop-down arrow on the target column, go to 'Text Filter' or 'Number Filter', and select 'Equals'.
4. Filter the error: Enter #NAME? into the dialog box and click OK to instantly view all affected rows.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas, wildcards, and error valuesAdvanced custom filtering options for precise data extractionLightweight application providing high performance for massive datasetsFree to use with a familiar interface, ensuring zero learning curve

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Excel interpret the question mark as a wildcard?

In Excel, wildcards are used to broaden search criteria. The question mark (?) represents any single character, while the asterisk (*) represents a sequence of characters. Because #NAME? ends with a question mark, Excel attempts to find a string starting with '#NAME' followed by any one character.

Can I use the AutoFilter search bar to find #NAME? errors?

Yes, but you must escape the wildcard character. If you type #NAME~? into the search bar, the tilde (~) tells Excel to treat the following question mark as a literal character rather than a wildcard.

What usually causes a #NAME? error in my spreadsheet?

The #NAME? error occurs when Excel cannot recognize text in a formula. This is typically caused by a misspelled function name, a typo in a defined named range, omitting quotation marks around text strings, or referencing a non-existent add-in.

Does this wildcard behavior affect other Excel functions?

Yes. Wildcard characters (? and *) function similarly in other Excel features, such as Find and Replace, VLOOKUP, MATCH, COUNTIF, and SUMIF. You will need to use the tilde (~) to search for literal question marks or asterisks in all of these functions.

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