Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Changing Macro Cell References Based on Edits.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 27, 2021)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
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 in your macro, 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.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (7250) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Changing Macro Cell References Based on Edits.
Professional Development Guidance! Four world-class developers offer start-to-finish guidance for building powerful, robust, and secure applications with Excel. The authors show how to consistently make the right design decisions and make the most of Excel's powerful features. Check out Professional Excel Development today!
Want to get some input from the users of your workbooks? You can do it by using the InputBox function in a macro.
Discover MoreWhen you record a macro, make sure that you know how Excel is recording your cell movements. This tip explains the ...
Discover MoreYou can create macros that run whenever Excel detects a certain event happening within an entire workbook. This tip ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2024 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Comments