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How to delete defined names (named ranges) in Excel

If you’re seeing unexpected or unused named ranges in Excel, you can easily view, edit, or delete them using the Name Manager.

Solution: Use the Name Manager in Excel

  1. Open your Excel workbook.

  2. Go to the Formulas tab in the ribbon.

  3. Click Name Manager.

  4. In the list, find the defined name you want to remove.

  5. Select the name.

  6. Click Delete and confirm.

The defined name is now removed from the workbook.

 

What else you can do in Name Manager

In the same dialog, you can also:

  • Edit existing names and adjust the ranges they refer to

  • Create new defined names

  • Filter or search to quickly find specific names

Why am I seeing defined names?

Defined names (also called named ranges) are often used in formulas, tables, and data validation. They may have been:

  • Created automatically by Excel

  • Added when copying sheets or templates

  • Set up earlier and no longer needed