How to Fix Excel Pivot Table Error Field Name Not Valid

Microsoft Office is a collection of applications which has been designed by the Microsoft to increase the productivity and completing the tasks on Windows OS. Microsoft Office consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and so on are all part of single package that primarily focus on productivity and data management.

MS Excel is widely used by the companies from small to large. It is used for organizing the data and performing financial analysis. One of the five major functions of Excel is Pivot Tables that each and every working professional must know.

A pivot table is a powerful tool which is used to summarize large amounts of data in a quicker way.

But unluckily users have reported that while forming a Pivot Table, they are getting stuck with an unusual error message that is “Excel Pivot Table Error Field Name Not Valid”

The PivotTable field name is not valid. To create a PivotTable, you must use data that is organized as a list with labelled columns. If you are changing the name of a PivotTable field, you must type a new name for the field.”

The above error message is displayed on the screen when one encounters the Excel Pivot Table Error Field Name Not Valid.

When the error does occur?

It likely to occur when one tries to create a Pivot Table or while executing any operation on Pivot Table. We all are aware of the complexity of this application. And if one gets stumbled with the error then it may frustrate the user to the next level. Generally Pivot Table makes things easier for us but if somehow something gets wrong then it will spoil your entire hard work .

And if you are the one who has been struggling with the Excel Pivot Table Error Field Name Not Valid then don’t worry we are here for you.

Why I am having the above error?
  1. If the column heading is blank then it may lead to the above situation.
  2. If one is creating Pivot Table and has not select proper range then the chances are high for the above error
  3. Blank columns in the range might create mess for you.
Solutions for Excel Pivot Table Error Field Name Not Valid

Method 1: Check if Heading name has overlapped with blank heading next to it

Let us consider he below mention example, Serial Number from column A has overlapped column B

                          

Follow the below mention steps:

  • First of all click on each column and then verify its content under formula bar. Just refer to the below mention example,A1 has value Serial Number

                     

  • Then Repeat the same process and identify blank cell

  • Once done, then give an appropriate heading.

Method 2: Check if columns with blank headings are unseen

You can follow the below mention steps to do so:

  • First of all Select all columns inside Pivot Table and right-click on it
  • Select Unhide from context menu.

Method 3: Unmerged the merged cells in Heading Row

You can follow the below mention steps to do so:

  • In the first step, Identify the Merged Cell inside Heading Row and then tap on it
  • From top menu, tap on Home
  • Then click on downward arrow next to Merge & Center
  • Select Unmerge Cells

Method 4: Verify Range in the Create Pivot Table dialog box

Sometimes, blank column next to last column gets selected, by mistake.

Under Create Pivot Table Dialog, in the Select a table or range section, make sure that range specified does not contain blank columns.

Method 5: Create an Excel Table from the data and after that turn it into a Pivot Table

Headings to blank columns are added inevitably when ac Excel Table is formed.to do so follow the below mention steps to do so:

  • Simply Select the Required data
  • Tap on Insert from the top-menu
  • Press on Table
  • Under the Create Table Window that appears, Verify the data range
  • Tap on OK

 

Final words on Excel Pivot Table Error Field Name Not Valid

Here my job is done!

Now it’s your turn to apply the above listed methods one by one. I have tried my best to provide you the most effective solutions in order to get rid of the Excel Pivot Table Error Field Name Not Valid issue. The above mention methods are tried and tested and will surely help you out.

Apart from this do write us if you have a queries or concerns regarding the same. Your efforts will always be appreciated. Thanks a lot.