How to Fix #NAME? Error When Adding Commas in Excel for iPad
Question details
Users encounter a #NAME? error in Excel for iPad when using a formula to append text strings, such as adding a comma, due to the system's typographic (curly) quotation marks.
- Product
- Excel for iPad
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Writing or editing a formula that includes text strings enclosed in quotation marks on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The formula returns a #NAME? error instead of calculating properly because Excel does not recognize typographic curly quotation marks as valid text delimiters.
Ensure you have the affected cell selected so you can view and edit the formula directly in the formula bar.
Use Straight Quotation Marks in Your Formula
Replacing typographic (curly) quotation marks with straight quotation marks ensures Excel correctly interprets the formula string.
By default, iPad keyboards use a feature called Smart Punctuation, which turns standard straight quotation marks into typographic (curly) ones. Excel formulas cannot recognize these curly quotes as text delimiters, resulting in a #NAME? error.
Tap on the cell displaying the #NAME? error to reveal the formula in the formula bar at the top of your screen.
Locate the quotation marks surrounding your comma (e.g., in the formula part `&“,”`) in the formula bar and delete them.
On the iPad on-screen keyboard, press and hold the quotation mark key, then slide your finger to select the straight quotation mark option. Enclose your comma using these straight quotes (e.g., `&","`).
Tap the green checkmark or press Enter to apply the updated formula. The #NAME? error will now be resolved.
Edit Formulas Flawlessly on iPad with WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Office provides a specialized built-in formula keyboard for mobile and tablet devices. It helps you input mathematical operators and straight text delimiters instantly, completely bypassing iPad smart punctuation issues.
- 1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Office on your iPad and open your Excel spreadsheet.
- 2. Access the formula keyboard: Double-tap the target cell and select the keyboard icon to switch to the specialized formula input mode.
- 3. Input quotes seamlessly: Tap the quotation keys provided directly on the WPS formula keyboard to safely add straight quotes without triggering iPadOS smart punctuation.
- 4. Complete your formula: Type your desired formula and tap the checkmark to calculate the correct result without encountering #NAME? errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my formulas work on PC but show a #NAME? error on iPad?
PCs use standard straight quotation marks by default. iPads feature a system-level tool called 'Smart Punctuation' that converts straight quotes into curly typographic quotes. Excel does not recognize curly quotes in formulas, causing the error.
How do I permanently turn off smart quotes on my iPad?
You can disable this feature by navigating to your iPad Settings > General > Keyboard. Look for the 'Smart Punctuation' toggle and turn it off. Moving forward, your iPad will default to standard straight quotes.
What does the #NAME? error mean in Excel?
The #NAME? error indicates that Excel cannot recognize a specific text item within the formula. This usually happens when a function name is misspelled, a named range doesn't exist, or text isn't properly enclosed in straight quotation marks.
