Changing Macro Cell References Based on Edits

Summary: Place a cell reference in a macro, modify the structure of your worksheet, and you may soon find that the cell reference in the macro is no longer accurate. While Excel doesn't automatically update cell reference in macros according to changes in a worksheet, you can avoid the problem by changing how you reference cells. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

David wonders if there is any way for cell references in a macro to change when adding or deleting rows, similar to the way a formula responds to such changes?

When you reference a cell in a macro, such as using Range("B6"), then VBA treats that reference as absolute, meaning that it doesn't change. Even if you add or delete cells that affect where the info that was in B6 is now located, the macro reference will remain the same.

The way around this is to not use direct references to cells in your macros. Instead, rely on named ranges. In Excel, define a name for cell B6 (such as "MyData"), and then use that name in the reference, as in Range("MyData"). This approach works because VBA looks up the name in order to determine which cell is being referenced, and Excel makes sure the named range references remain up-to-date as you add or delete cells.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7250) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Changing Macro Cell References Based on Edits