Each time you create a table, Excel assigns a default name to the table according to this naming convention: Table1, Table2, Table3, and so on. To make it easier to refer to a table, for example, in a workbook that contains many tables, you can name each table.
Note: The screen shots in this article were taken in Excel 2016. Your view may differ slightly if you have a different version of Excel, but the functionality is the same (unless otherwise noted).
To rename a table:
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Click on the table.
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Go to Table Tools > Design > Properties > Table Name.
On a Mac, go to the Table tab > Table Name.
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Highlight the table name and enter a new name.
Tips:
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All of your tables will be shown in the Address bar, which appears to the left of the Formula bar. When you select any table from the list, Excel will automatically jump to that table—even if it's on another worksheet.
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Important notes for names
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Use valid characters — Always begin a name with a letter, an underscore character (_), or a backslash (\). Use letters, numbers, periods, and underscore characters for the rest of the name.
Exceptions: You can’t use "C", "c", "R", or "r" for the name, because they’re already designated as a shortcut for selecting the column or row for the active cell when you enter them in the Name or Go To box.
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Don’t use cell references — Names can’t be the same as a cell reference, such as Z$100 or R1C1.
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Don’t use a space to separate words — Spaces cannot be used in the name. Consider how you can write the name using no spaces. Or, use an underscore character (_) or a period (.) as word separators. Examples: DeptSales, Sales_Tax or First.Quarter.
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Maximum 255 characters — A table name can have up to 255 characters.
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Use unique table names — Duplicate names aren’t allowed. Excel doesn’t distinguish between upper and lowercase characters in names, so if you enter “Sales” but already have another name called “SALES" in the same workbook, you’ll be prompted to choose a unique name.
Rename a table in Excel for the web
Note: This is one of several beta features, and currently only available to a portion of Office Insiders at this time. We'll continue to optimize these features over the next several months. When they're ready, we'll release them to all Office Insiders, and Microsoft 365 subscribers.
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Click on the table.
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On the Table Design tab, double-click the Table Name, and then enter a new name.
Need more help?
You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in Communities.
See Also
Total the data in an Excel table
Resize a table by adding or removing rows and columns
Excel table compatibility issues
Export an Excel table to SharePoint
