Fix Pivot Table field name is not valid error in Windows 10 [Steps]

What is ‘Pivot Table field name is not valid error’ in Windows 10?

If you are facing ‘Pivot Table field name is not valid error’ while trying to create a pivot table or while performing any operation on the pivot table in MS Excel in Windows 10 computer, then you are in right place for the solution. Here, you will be guided with easy steps/methods to resolve the error. Let’s starts the discussion.

Pivot Table in MS Excel: Pivot table is one of most powerful feature Microsoft Office Excel that is part of Microsoft Office Suite. Pivot table helps in extracting main information from detailed and large datasets in MS Excel worksheet. This is created for tracking details to make the task easy for you.

However, several Windows users/MS Excel users reported that they faced ‘Pivot Table field name is not valid’ error in MS Excel app in their Windows 10 computer. They explained the error is appeared usually when they tried to create Pivot table or working on existing Pivot table in MS Excel file on their Windows 10 computer. This error prevents you from creating or using Pivot Table in MS Excel for some reasons. Let’s take a look at error message.

“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.”

This Excel error indicates that source data is not suitable and this is the main reason for the getting error. This issue can also be occurred if Excel needs a field name (column header) for indexing data in pivot table from and with the missing field names, Excel, can’t index and utilize data. It is possible to resolve the error with our instructions. Let’s go for the solution.

How to fix  Pivot Table field name is not valid error in Windows 10?

Method 1: Fix ‘Pivot Table field name is not valid’ error with ‘PC Repair Tool’

If you are facing this issue due to some issue in your Windows computer, then you can try to fix the issue with ‘PC Repair Tool’. This software offers you to find and fix BSOD errors, EXE errors, DLL errors, problems with programs/applications, malware or viruses issues, system files or registry issues and other system issues with just few clicks.

tool through button/link below.

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Method 2: Change the first ROW of table in MS Excel

One possible way to fix the issue is to change the table first ROW in MS Excel file you are facing this error, in the way that it should not contain a single empty cell.

Method 3: Alter the Range of Pivot table in MS Excel

Altering or changing the range that Pivot Table mentioned to a range in which the first ROW doesn’t include any empty cells.

Step 1: While you are in Pivot table, choose a cell

Step 2: From ‘Data’ menu, click ‘PivotTable Report’ option.

Step 3: After that, click on back button, it will show the PivotTable Wizard

Step 4: In the opened window, current range for Pivot Table will appear, edit ‘Source Data Range’ and click ‘Finish’ and close the window. Once done, please check if the error is resolved.

Method 4: Delete or unhide the empty columns

Another possible way to fix the issue is to unhide/delete empty columns.

Step 1: While you are in Pivot table in MS Excel, go to left of cell ‘A1’ and click on ‘Select All’ button

Step 2: Right-click on any column heading and select ‘Unhide’

Step 3: Once done, try creating pivot table and check if the error is resolved.

Method 5: Fix Field Name issue in MS Excel

This error is appeared as one or more heading cells in source data are blank. You can fix field name issue in order to resolve this error.

Step 1: While you are in MS Excel and in creating PivotTable dialog box, check ‘Table/Range Selection’ to assure you haven’t selected blank columns next to data table. Or check for hidden columns in source data range and add headings where they are missing

Step 2: If there is merged cell in headings, select the cell, and unmerge them, and then adding heading in each separate cell

Step 3: Select each heading cell, check its content in formula bar > Text from one heading might overlap blank cell beside it. Hope this works for you.

Method 6: Assign Header Value

This issue can also be occurred if you are trying to create pivot table without assigning the header value. All the columns having data in it must have heading value too. So, you should check and assign header value to each column.

Method 7: Complete data got deleted

This issue can also be occurred if after creating pivot table, if the entire data gets deleted. Besides that you are trying to refresh the report after data range is been deleted, then it might possible to get this error.

Method 8: Don’t select the entire sheet

If you mistakenly selected entire Excel sheet instead of selecting pivot table area, then it might possible to get this error. You should select only appropriate range of cells which are eligible to create pivot table in order to resolve the issue.

Method 9: Column header is deleted

This issue can be occurred if you don’t have any column header that’s why you are not allowed to insert pivot table also. So, you need to add table column header in order to resolve the issue

Method 10: Rename field/items in PivotTable

Step 1: Tap on item/field which you need to rename

Step 2: Now, hit ‘PivotTable’ tools, and click on ‘Analyze’ option

Step 3: From ‘Active Field’ group, you need to make a tap over the text box of ‘Active Field’

Step 4: If you are Excel 2007/2010 user, go to ‘PivotTable Tools > Option’ and assign new name and hit ‘Enter’ key

Method 11: Unmerged the merged cell in MS Excel table

This issue can be occurred if table contain merged cells. You can unmerge the merged cell in order ot fix the issue.

Step 1: Close entire column presented within MS Excel table

Step 2: Right-click over selected column and select ‘Unhide’ option

Step 3: Check for the merged cells and then unmerge it by navigating ‘Home > Alignment > Merge & Center’, and once done, please check if the error is resolved.

Conclusion

I am sure this post helped you on How to fix Pivot Table field name is not valid error in Windows 10 with several easy steps/methods. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.

Samir Prakash Author