Error Using "R" and "C" as Variable Names in an Excel Macro

Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
Article ID: Q38004
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 2.x, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0a, 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for OS/2 versions 2.2, 2.21, and 3.0

SYMPTOMS

When entering the following function macro, Excel generates an "Error in Formula" message when the ENTER key is pressed at the last line:

   A1: =ARGUMENT("a")
   A2: =ARGUMENT("b")
   A3: =ARGUMENT("c")
   A4: = a + b
   A5: = c + a       <<<=== "Error in Formula"

CAUSE

This error message occurs because the lowercase and uppercase letters "R" and "C", are reserved characters; these characters are used in RC referencing so they cannot be used as variables. "R" and "C" are the only two single characters that are reserved.


KBCategory: kbusage
KBSubcategory:

Additional words: 5.00 2.00 2.0 2.01 2.1 2.10 2.2 2.21 2.20 3.00
3.0 4.0 4.00 err msg


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 2, 1994
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.