Fix #NAME? errors in Excel and Google Sheets

#NAME? means the spreadsheet does not recognize the SheetsFinance function. In nearly every case, the cause is either a misspelled function name or the SheetsFinance add-on is not installed correctly.

Google Sheets

Check that the add-on is installed and active

If the add-on is missing or not running, Google Sheets cannot resolve any SheetsFinance function.

1. Open the Extensions menu in Google Sheets. Look for a SheetsFinance submenu. If it is missing, the add-on is not installed.

2. If the submenu is there, open Extensions > SheetsFinance > Account and confirm you are connected to the correct SheetsFinance account. If you are signed into the wrong Google account, the add-on may be tied to a different profile.

3. Reinstalling the add-on is always an option. See Fix Google Sheets permission and connection issues for the full uninstall and reinstall steps.

Check the function spelling

SheetsFinance functions must be typed exactly as documented. If the formula contains a space, backslash, or misspelling, Google Sheets will not recognise it.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• sf_brokerage — use uppercase SF_BROKERAGE

• sf brokerage — remove the space and use the underscore

• SF.BROKERAGE — use an underscore, not a period

Verify the exact spelling in the Function List.

Copied templates and caching

After copying a Google Sheets template, functions may show #NAME? even when the add-on is installed. This can happen for two reasons.

Authorisation: The add-on functions have not been authorised in the new spreadsheet. Open the copied sheet and manually trigger any SheetsFinance function, for example by typing =SF("AAPL") in a cell. Accept the authorisation prompt, then refresh the sheet.

Caching: Google Sheets sometimes caches third-party add-on functions after a template is copied, which is a known Google bug. The issue may resolve automatically after a short time. If the formulas do not clear immediately, close the sheet and return later.

Excel

Check that the add-in is installed and connected

Excel only recognises SheetsFinance functions when the add-in is installed and linked with a Connection ID.

1. In Excel, open the Home ribbon and click Add-ins or More Add-ins. If SheetsFinance is not listed, install it from the Office Add-ins store.

2. Open the SheetsFinance account view in Excel and verify you are connected. If you see a prompt for a Connection ID, copy your Connection ID from the SheetsFinance Account Dashboard and paste it into Excel.

3. If your subscription does not appear in the account view, click the refresh icon or reconnect with your Connection ID.

4. Reinstalling the add-in is always an option. Uninstall SheetsFinance from the Office Add-ins store, refresh Excel, and reinstall.

After the connection is active, re-enter the formula.

Check the function spelling

Excel will not recognise a SheetsFinance function that is misspelled or uses the wrong separator.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• sf_brokerage — use uppercase SF_BROKERAGE

• sf brokerage — remove the space and use the underscore

• SF.BROKERAGE — use an underscore, not a period

Verify the exact spelling in the Function List.

Example: #NAME? with SF_BROKERAGE in Excel

When =SF_BROKERAGE() shows #NAME? after you have confirmed the add-in is installed and connected, check the three most likely causes in order.

Confirm the brokerage connection is active

Even when the add-in is installed, stale connection data can prevent brokerage functions from working.

1. Go to your Account Dashboard and open the Brokerage tab.

2. Look for a red exclamation mark on any account card. If you see one, click it and follow the reconnect flow.

3. Return to Excel, click the refresh icon in the SheetsFinance account view, and re-enter the formula.

Check the account nickname

SF_BROKERAGE() expects the account nickname as its first argument. A typo here won't cause #NAME?, but it will cause the function to return an error after it is recognisd.

1. In Excel, click the main SheetsFinance ribbon button, open the dropdown by clicking the three lines at the top left, and choose Brokerage.

2. Check the nickname in italics under each institution name. Use that exact string, including spaces and capitalisation, as the first argument.

For example, if the nickname is Fidelity - Brokerage, use:

=SF_BROKERAGE("Fidelity - Brokerage", "holdings")

Confirm the function name is correct

SheetsFinance documents the function as SF_BROKERAGE() with an underscore. A space, backslash, or misspelling will cause #NAME?.

Verify the exact spelling in the Brokerage function reference.

Still seeing an error?

If the formula is recognized but returns a different error, check the Fix common spreadsheet errors article. If the error says no holdings data was found, verify your account nickname and reconnect the account from the Account Dashboard.