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GPT function issues (GPT for Excel)

Invalid name​

#NAME? Invalid Name Error. The formula contains unrecognized text.

Problem: GPT functions are not recognized by Excel.

Solutions

  • Check that GPT for Excel is installed on your current Microsoft account.

  • On the ribbon, select Home > GPT for Excel Word to enable the GPT functions.

  • If the problem persists, try activating the add-in (the experience might be slightly different for Mac users):

    1. On the ribbon, select Home > Add-ins > More Add-ins. The Office Add-ins dialog opens.

    2. Select the My Add-ins tab.

    3. Select GPT for Excel Word and click Add.

    4. On the ribbon, select Home > GPT for Excel Word.

    5. In the sidebar menu, select GPT functions.

    6. Click Retry errors.

  • Use the add-in in Excel for the web (see supported versions).

Invalid parameter​

Error: Invalid xxx parameter.

Problem: The error indicates a formatting issue or an unreadable parameter within the formula.

Solutions

  • Check that your parameters are in the correct order. See the function list.

  • Check that all parameters (even optional ones) are added as empty when there is another parameter coming after them:

    ✅ GPT_TRANSLATE(A2, "french", , "Avoid passive voice")

  • Check that you are using the right parameter separator for your locale: , or ;

  • Check that you are using the correct number formats for temperature for your locale: 0.8 or 0,8

Missing parameter​

#ERROR: Missing required arguments categories for function GPT_XXX.

Problem: One of the parameters in your GPT formula is required and hasn't been set.

Solution

Check which parameters are required for the GPT function you are using and adjust the formula as needed.

Text values limited to 255 characters​

Text values in formulas are limited to 255 characters.

Problem: The text value in your formula is too long and exceeds Excel's 255-character limit.

Solution

Insert the text into another cell and reference it in your formula, for example, =GPT(A1), where A1 contains the text value.

Cell A1 contains a long prompt, and cell B1 contains =GPT(A1)

Functions are stuck on #BUSY​

Problem: GPT functions fail to execute and remain in a #BUSY! state, even after reopening your file or restarting Excel.

Solutions

  • Open the GPT for Excel sidebar before using any GPT functions:

    • On the ribbon, select Home > GPT for Excel Word.

    • Wait for the sidebar to fully load before entering your first GPT formula.

  • Delete the GPT formula and undo the deletion to run the formula again.

  • Enter a new GPT formula in a different cell. Subsequent functions typically work correctly.

  • Use bulk AI tools to avoid this issue in the future, if your use case allows it.

GPT_WEB function is not working​

If you're using the GPT_WEB function and experiencing issues, this is likely because:

  • The GPT_WEB function only works with the Perplexity Sonar model.

  • If you've selected a non-Perplexity model that uses an API key, GPT_WEB fails because it tries to use that API key with Perplexity Sonar.

Solutions

  • (Recommended)

    Select a web search model (🌐) from the model switcher and then use the GPT function. Learn more.

    =GPT("your prompt")

  • You can also use a web search model as a parameter in the GPT function. Learn more.

    =GPT("your prompt", , , "sonar")

  • If you want to keep using the GPT_WEB function, make sure you first select the Sonar model from the model switcher.

GPT functions prefixed with _xldudf​

Problem: After saving, closing, and reopening an Excel workbook, all GPT functions start with =_xldudf_GPT.

Solutions

  • Open the add-in from the Add-ins menu: Select Home > Add-ins > My Add-ins > GPT for Excel Word.

  • Update to a newer version of Excel, as this issue is often related to compatibility with older Excel versions.

  • Disable other add-ins temporarily:

    • Excel on macOS:

      1. On the ribbon, select Home > Add-ins > More Add-ins. The Office Add-ins dialog opens.

      2. Select the My Add-ins tab.

      3. Hover over an add-in and open its Options menu (⋯).

      4. Select Remove to disable the add-in.

      5. Repeat for each add-in you want to disable.

      6. Restart Excel.

    • Excel on Windows:

      1. In the menu bar, select File > Options.

      2. In the options sidebar, select Add-ins.

      3. In the Manage dropdown menu, select COM Add-ins and click Go.

      4. Uncheck all the boxes to disable the add-ins.

      5. Click OK.

      6. Restart Excel.

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