Microsoft KB Archive/213465

= XL2000: Visual Basic Macro to Change Between Relative and Absolute References =

Article ID: 213465

Article Last Modified on 11/23/2006

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Excel 2000 Standard Edition

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This article was previously published under Q213465





SUMMARY
In Microsoft Excel, you can use the ConvertFormula method in a Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications procedure to convert cell references from A1 reference style to R1C1 reference style. This method also allows you to change from an absolute to a relative reference and vice versa.



MORE INFORMATION
The following sample Visual Basic procedure uses the ConvertFormula method to convert A1 relative references to R1C1 absolute references, or A1 absolute references to R1C1 relative references for a selected range.

You can also use this procedure to convert cell references between A1 and R1C1 reference style by changing the appropriate constants for fromReferenceStyle and toReferenceStyle for the ConvertFormula method.

Microsoft provides programming examples for illustration only, without warranty either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. This article assumes that you are familiar with the programming language being demonstrated and the tools used to create and debug procedures. Microsoft support professionals can help explain the functionality of a particular procedure, but they will not modify these examples to provide added functionality or construct procedures to meet your specific needs. If you have limited programming experience, you may want to contact a Microsoft Certified Partner or the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about Microsoft Certified Partners, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

https://partner.microsoft.com/global/30000104

For more information about the support options that are available and about how to contact Microsoft, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

Sample Macro
Before running the macro, select one or more cells containing formulas to convert. 'Convert_Reference Type Macro 'A Visual Basic module to convert absolute references to relative 'references or relative references to absolute references. Sub Conv_RefType Dim Conv As String 'Prompt user to change to relative or absolute references Conv = Application.InputBox _ ("Type A to convert to Absolute, R to Relative Reference(s)", _       "Change Cell Reference Type") 'If changing relative to absolute references If UCase(Conv) = "A" Then 'Loop through each cell selected For Each Mycell In Selection If Len(Mycell.Formula) > 0 Then 'Stores cell's formula as variable MyFormula = Mycell.Formula 'Converts formula to absolute reference style NewFormula = Application.ConvertFormula _ (Formula:=MyFormula, _                   fromReferenceStyle:=xlA1, _                    toReferenceStyle:=xlA1, _                    toAbsolute:=xlAbsolute) 'Replaces old formula with new absolute formula Mycell.Formula = NewFormula End If       Next 'If changing absolute to relative references ElseIf UCase(Conv) = "R" Then 'Loop through each cell selected For Each Mycell In Selection If Len(Mycell.Formula) > 0 Then 'Stores cell's formula as variable MyFormula = Mycell.Formula 'Converts formula to relative reference style NewFormula = Application.ConvertFormula _ (Formula:=MyFormula, _                   fromReferenceStyle:=xlA1, _                    toReferenceStyle:=xlA1, _                    toAbsolute:=xlRelative) 'Replaces old formula with new relative formula Mycell.Formula = NewFormula End If       Next 'Display Error message if choice entered is invalid ElseIf UCase(Conv) <> "FALSE" Then MyMsg = "Enter A for Absolute, R for Relative Reference(s)" MyTitle = "Option Not Valid" MyBox = MsgBox(MyMsg, 0, MyTitle) End If End Sub

