How to Use Indirect in VBA: Master the Technique in 3 Minutes (Excel)

Written by Kasper Langmann

The INDIRECT function in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is a powerful tool in Excel that allows you to manipulate and reference cell data dynamically. This function can be a game-changer for those who work extensively with Excel, as it can significantly simplify complex tasks and improve the efficiency of your spreadsheets. In this guide, you will learn how to master the INDIRECT function in VBA in just 3 minutes.

Understanding the INDIRECT Function

The INDIRECT function in Excel is a lookup and reference function. It is used to indirectly reference cells, ranges, other sheets or workbooks. The main advantage of the INDIRECT function is that it turns a text string into a cell reference. This means that the function can change the reference to a cell within a formula without changing the formula itself.

This function is particularly useful when you want to reference variable cells, for example, when the cell you want to reference is determined by a value in another cell. It can also be used to create flexible formulas that can be easily updated or modified.

Basic Syntax of the INDIRECT Function

The INDIRECT function in Excel VBA has a simple syntax. It is as follows:

INDIRECT(ref_text, [a1])

The function has two arguments:

  • ref_text: This is a required argument. It is the text string which contains the reference to your cell.
  • a1: This is an optional argument. It is a logical value that specifies what type of reference is contained in the cell ref_text.

Using the INDIRECT Function in VBA

Now that you understand the basic syntax and functionality of the INDIRECT function, let’s explore how to use it in VBA. The following steps will guide you through the process.

Step 1: Open VBA

First, you need to open the VBA editor. You can do this by pressing Alt + F11 on your keyboard. This will open the VBA editor window.

Step 2: Insert a New Module

Next, you need to insert a new module. You can do this by clicking on “Insert” in the menu, then selecting “Module”. This will create a new module where you can write your VBA code.

Step 3: Write Your VBA Code

Now, you can write your VBA code. For example, let’s say you want to use the INDIRECT function to reference a cell in another workbook. You can do this by writing the following code:

Sub UseIndirect()
    Dim rng As Range
    Set rng = Range(Indirect("A1"))
    MsgBox rng.Value
End Sub

This code will display a message box with the value of cell A1.

Advanced Uses of the INDIRECT Function

The INDIRECT function can be used in many advanced ways to improve the functionality and efficiency of your Excel spreadsheets. Let’s explore some of these advanced uses.

Dynamic Range Referencing

One of the most powerful uses of the INDIRECT function is dynamic range referencing. This allows you to create formulas that can automatically update to reference a different range based on the value of a specific cell.

Creating Flexible Formulas

The INDIRECT function can also be used to create flexible formulas that can be easily updated or modified. For example, you can use the INDIRECT function to create a formula that references a cell in a different worksheet, and then simply change the name of the worksheet in the formula to update the reference.

Referencing Other Workbooks

Another advanced use of the INDIRECT function is referencing other workbooks. This can be particularly useful when you need to pull data from multiple workbooks into a single spreadsheet.

Conclusion

Mastering the INDIRECT function in VBA can significantly improve your Excel skills and make you more efficient in your work. This function allows you to create dynamic and flexible formulas that can automatically update based on the values of other cells. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Excel user, learning how to use the INDIRECT function can be a valuable addition to your Excel toolkit.