Reference Isn’t Valid Excel Error.
Excel triggers the “..Reference isn’t Valid” error when it can not find the cell or vary you referenced. While this usually is the case, additionally, you will run into this problem in case your Excel file title consists of invalid characters.
You could encounter the reference error whereas creating Pivot Tables, Text packing containers or coping with damaged hyperlinks within the Excel program. While you might exit the error message and enter right references, in some instances this isn’t potential as all choices within the ribbon get grayed out.
Before heading to the fixes, test in case your reference is listed as damaged or lacking. You can test your reference from the Visual Basic for Application (Alt + F11) window. Head to Tools > References.
Exit Design Mode
Many customers detect this error whereas making a textual content field from the Developer tab. All the ribbon gadgets get grayed out after Excel shows the alert. While you possibly can transfer between all tabs, you can not open the File tab.
Even although this error appears out of the blue, it’s truly due to a minor human error. When you insert the textual content field, you could exit the Design mode earlier than you begin getting into knowledge into the field. However, when you enter your worth earlier than exiting the Design mode, you’ll truly enter your knowledge within the components bar.
The components bar initially comprises the components referencing the placement of the textual content field within the grid. When you enter a price that doesn’t consult with a location, Excel will set off the Reference Isn’t Valid error.
- Click the OK button within the warning message field.
- Select Cancel (X) next to the components bar.
- From the Developer tab, deselect Design Mode.
Referred Cell Does Not Include Formula: Goal Seek
If you run into this error whereas using Goal Seek (VBA or What-if evaluation), it might be as a result of one of many cells you known as Set Cell doesn’t maintain a components. You will even get this alert when you’ve entered a components as an alternative of a price within the By Changing cell.

To repair this problem, test when you’ve embedded formulation in all cells within the Set Cell vary. Additionally, confirm that your By Changing cell holds a numeric worth, not a components. After making these modifications, run the command once more.
Change Pivot Table Named Range
You could have entered an invalid named vary whereas making a pivot desk in Excel. When making a Pivot Table, it’s worthwhile to enter the cell or named vary that exists within the grid.

You will need to have made a typo whereas referring to a named cell vary, inflicting Excel to fail to find your vary to create a Pivot Table. Verify your named vary from the Name Manager earlier than you create a Pivot Table.
Create a brand new PivotTable to alter your named vary.
- Open your worksheet.
- Head to Insert > PivotTable.
- Enter a sound named vary within the Table/Range part.
Rename File
You will encounter the Data supply reference is just not legitimate error message in case your file title has squared brackets. Excel can not take references out of your worksheet in case your username comprises this particular character. Therefore, you can not carry out actions resembling creating Pivot Tables that have to take your present worksheet as a reference.
You have to take away the squared bracket out of your file title to unravel this error.
- Open File Explorer to find your doc.
- Right-click in your Excel file, then click on F2.
- Erase the squared brackets out of your file title and hit Enter.
Remove Hyperlinks
You may be coping with damaged hyperlinks when you obtain the reference isn’t legitimate error. The file you linked could possibly be lacking or corrupt, making your reference invalid.
You can work round this problem by eradicating the problematic hyperlinks out of your worksheet. If you have no idea which hyperlink could also be inflicting this problem, your best guess is to take away all present hyperlinks.
- Launch your Worksheet.
- Locate the hyperlink out of your sheet, then right-click on it.
- Choose Remove hyperlink.
Save the File
Excel may additionally set off this error when you attempt to make modifications in an Excel file that isn’t saved in your laptop. If you can not save the doc, the creator of the doc could haven’t given you satisfactory permission.

Check in case your file is at the moment operating on Read-Only mode. If you haven’t saved the file regionally, use Ctrl + S to reserve it to your device.
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