How to Use STR in VBA: Master the Basics in 3 Minutes (Excel)

Written by Kasper Langmann

The STR function in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) is an essential tool for any Excel user looking to enhance their spreadsheet capabilities. This function converts a numeric value into a string, providing a simple and effective way to manipulate and present data. In this guide, we will delve into the basics of using the STR function in VBA, providing you with the knowledge to master this tool in just three minutes.

Understanding the STR Function

The STR function in VBA is a built-in function that is used to convert a numeric value into a string. This is particularly useful when you need to perform operations on numeric data that are more easily done with strings. For example, you might need to concatenate a number with a string, or you might need to display a number in a specific format.

Before we delve into how to use the STR function, it’s important to understand its syntax. The STR function takes one argument: the numeric value that you want to convert into a string. The syntax is as follows: STR(number).

Understanding the Return Value

The STR function returns a string that represents the numeric value you input. It’s important to note that the returned string includes leading spaces for positive numbers and a leading minus sign for negative numbers. This is a key characteristic of the STR function and something to keep in mind when using it in your VBA code.

For example, if you use STR(10), the function will return ” 10″, not “10”. If you use STR(-10), the function will return “-10”. If you want to remove the leading space or minus sign, you can use the TRIM function in conjunction with the STR function.

How to Use the STR Function in VBA

Now that we understand the basics of the STR function, let’s delve into how to use it in VBA. The process is straightforward and can be mastered quickly with a bit of practice.

First, you’ll need to open your VBA editor in Excel. You can do this by pressing ALT + F11. Once you’re in the VBA editor, you can start writing your code.

Step 1: Declare Your Variables

The first step in using the STR function is to declare your variables. In VBA, you declare a variable using the Dim statement. For example, you might declare a variable called myNumber and a variable called myString like this:

Dim myNumber As Double
Dim myString As String

Here, myNumber is the numeric value that you want to convert into a string, and myString is the string that will hold the converted value.

Step 2: Assign a Value to Your Numeric Variable

Next, you’ll need to assign a value to your numeric variable. You can do this using the = operator. For example, you might assign the value 10 to myNumber like this:

myNumber = 10

Step 3: Use the STR Function to Convert the Numeric Value into a String

Now, you’re ready to use the STR function to convert the numeric value into a string. You can do this by calling the STR function and passing in your numeric variable as the argument. For example:

myString = STR(myNumber)

After this line of code is executed, myString will hold the string ” 10″.

Step 4: Use the Resulting String

Finally, you can use the resulting string in any way you see fit. For example, you might display it in a message box, concatenate it with another string, or write it to a cell in your Excel spreadsheet.

Advanced Usage of the STR Function

While the STR function is relatively simple to use, there are some advanced techniques that can help you get the most out of this function.

Using the STR Function with the TRIM Function

As mentioned earlier, the STR function returns a string with a leading space for positive numbers and a leading minus sign for negative numbers. If you want to remove these leading characters, you can use the TRIM function in conjunction with the STR function. The TRIM function removes leading and trailing spaces from a string.

Using the STR Function with the FORMAT Function

Another advanced technique involves using the STR function with the FORMAT function. The FORMAT function allows you to format a string in a specific way. For example, you might use the FORMAT function to display a number with a specific number of decimal places.

Conclusion

The STR function in VBA is a powerful tool that allows you to convert numeric values into strings. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced Excel user, mastering the STR function can help you manipulate and present your data in more effective ways. With the information in this guide, you should be well on your way to mastering the basics of the STR function in just three minutes.