The macro language (VBA) provided with Excel is quite powerful. This means that you can do some pretty intense (and impressive) tasks with the language. Some tasks might take quite a while to complete. The problem is that some users may think their computer has hung unless there is some on-screen indication that the macro is running.
There are two ways that you can approach a solution to such a task. The first (and simplest) option is to use the status bar to indicate the progress of your macro. For instance, you could add some code to your macro by which it determines the percentage of completion. Once you have a percentage in hand (let's say it is stored in the xPctComp variable), you simply add the following line to your macro:
Application.StatusBar = "Portion completed: " & _ Format(xPctComp, "##0.00%")
Such a line could be added within the main body of your macro, for instance within whatever loop you have that controls processing. When the macro is just about done, you should add a line that clears the status bar, such as the following:
Application.StatusBar = ""
The other way to create a progress indicator is to use some sort of a dialog box that displays a "fuel gauge" indicator as to the percentage complete. There are numerous implementations of such a concept already available on the Web. A good representative of this approach is found at John Walkenbach's site:
http://www.j-walk.com/ss/excel/tips/tip34.htm
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2496) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Save Time and Supercharge Excel! Automate virtually any routine task and save yourself hours, days, maybe even weeks. Then, learn how to make Excel do things you thought were simply impossible! Mastering advanced Excel macros has never been easier. Check out Excel 2010 VBA and Macros today!
Function keys are used to perform common tasks in Excel. If you want to disable one of the function keys, it's rather ...
Discover MoreWhen developing macros, you can create subroutines. This is a great way to reuse common code and make your programming ...
Discover MoreWhen creating an application in VBA for others to use, you might want a way for your VBA code to modify or delete other ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2017-12-30 10:01:21
Barry
@Roy
Try http://spreadsheetpage.com/index.php/tip/displaying_a_progress_indicator/
2017-12-30 07:57:06
Roy Taylor
Allen,
I have been trying to produce a progress bar but to no avail so the J-walk sounded perfect, but I keep getting "this page cant be displayed" message.
Does it still exist?
Roy
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 © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments