How to Rename a Table in Excel
Excel names new tables Table1, Table2 and so on. A real name such as OvertimeLog makes formulas readable, OvertimeLog[Hours], and lets other tools find the table. Rename it in the Table Name box on the Table Design tab.
The example is the old overtime timesheet from Part 1 of the Overtime Timesheet series.
Prerequisites
- A table, such as the one made in How to Format Data as a Table in Excel.
Step 1: Open Table Design
Select any cell in the table. The Table Design tab appears on the ribbon; select it. Table Name, at the left, shows the current name, Table1:
Step 2: Type the New Name and Press Enter
Select the Table Name box, replace the name with OvertimeLog and press Enter:
Formulas now use the new name. The monthly totals in How to Total Hours by Person and Month in Excel with SUMIFS refer to OvertimeLog[Hours] and OvertimeLog[Date].
Naming Rules
Microsoft's Rename an Excel table lists the rules. In short:
- Start with a letter, an underscore or a backslash.
- No spaces. Join words, as in
OvertimeLog, or use an underscore. - Don't use a name that looks like a cell address, such as
A1. - Each name is unique in the workbook.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Typing a name with a space | Excel won't accept it | Join the words or use _ |
| Clicking away without Enter | Check whether the name was kept | Press Enter |
| Renaming after building a flow on the old name | The flow can't find the table by its old name | Name tables before anything else uses them |
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Table Design isn't on the ribbon | The selected cell is outside the table | Select a cell in the table |
| The new name is refused | It breaks a naming rule or is already used | Pick a different name |
FAQ
When should I rename the table?
Straight after creating it, before you write formulas or build anything that uses it. Then every formula is written with the real name from the start.
Can I rename it again later?
Yes, the same way, in Table Design → Table Name.
Conclusion
Select a cell in the table, then Table Design → Table Name, type a name without spaces and press Enter.
