How to code Excel VBA equivalent of INDIRECT function?

Question

I have many uses of the INDIRECT function in my workbook, and it is causing performance issues. I need to replace them with something that will give me the same results. All the INDIRECTS recalculate anytime anything is changed, causing the workbook to lag.

I was wondering if there is a way to code INDIRECT in VBA without actually using the INDIRECT function, and take away the volatility of the function in the code.

 =INDIRECT("'" & $AC$9 & "'!" & AC26)

This is an example. I need to remove INDIRECT but get the same results for this cell. Is there a way to accomplish this in VBA?

Answer 1

You can try this.

Place the following routines in a standard code module:

Public Function INDIRECTVBA(ref_text As String)
    INDIRECTVBA = Range(ref_text)
End Function

Public Sub FullCalc()
    Application.CalculateFull
End Sub

Replace the INDIRECT functions in your formulas with INDIRECTVBA .

These will be static. If the slowness of your workbook is because your INDIRECTs are constantly evaluating, then this will put an end to that.

IMPORTANT: all cells that contain a formula using INDIRECTVBA will be static. Each formula will calculate when you confirm it, but it will not recalculate when precedents change.

You will then need a way to force them to recalculate at a convenient time. You can do that from the Ribbon. Or, you can run FullCalc .

Answer 2

Was going to add this as a comment, but my thought process got too long.

What is the context of the problem you are trying to solve?

I am guessing you are using some kind of data validation drop-down menu in $AC$9 to select a sheet name and then all your INDIRECT formulas are providing a mirror image of a particular section of the user-specified worksheet.

If that is the case then you might consider using INDEX as an alternative. It is written as =INDEX(Range, RowNum, ColNum) Eg if you put this in H20: =INDEX(Sheet1!A:Z,ROW()+10,COLUMN()-5) then it would reflect whatever is in sheet 1, cell C30 (H - 5 columns, 20 + 10 rows). Of course, you don't have to offset anything if you don't want to, I just wanted to demonstrate that as an option.

Now, the trickier part would still remain - assigning/updating the SheetName variable. This could be done with a UserForm instead of typing in a value in a particular input cell. For example, you could have VBA provide an input box/dropdown menu for the user to select one of the available sheet names, then take that input and use it in a quick find and replace instruction - searching for "=INDEX(*!" and replacing with "=INDEX(" & InputVariable & "!"

I've made a few assumptions about your dataset and what you're trying to achieve, so it might not be the ideal solution, but perhaps something to think about.

Answer 3

The solution to volatility with the Indirect function (typical in multi-version cross platform use and partitioning to run Windows on Mac) can be absorbed by splitting its various functions with a pseudonym for Indirect I have named "Implied":

Public Function Implied(Varient)
' CREDIT: Stephen L. Rush

    On Error Resume Next

    If IsError(Range(Varient)) Then
        If IsError(Find(Varient, "&")) Then
           'Not Range, is Indirect.  "A" & Match() Style (where Match() = row).
            Implied = WorksheetFunction.Indirect(Varient)
        Else
           'Not a Range, not Indirect. "A" & B99 Reference (where B99 = row).
            Implied = Range(Left(Varient, Find(Varient, "&") - 1) & Range(Right(Varient, Len(Varient) - Find(Varient, "&"))))
        End If
    Else
       'Is pure Range
        Implied = Range(Varient)
    End If

   '[On Error GoTo 0] Conflicts with use as formula

End Function