XL: Function Name Can't be Same as Module Name

ID: Q105571

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

In the versions of Microsoft Excel listed above, if you attempt to run a function that has the same name as a Visual Basic module, and the Visual Basic module is located in the same workbook as the function, you may receive one of the following error messages: 

   Expected procedure, not module

   -or-

   Microsoft Excel cannot find '<function name>' on <workbook name>.

WORKAROUND

Instead of creating a function, create a Sub procedure. A Sub procedure can have the same name as a module without causing an error.

Note that Sub procedures cannot be called from worksheet formulas.

MORE INFORMATION

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 the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about the support options available from Microsoft, please see the following page on the World Wide Web: 

   http://www.microsoft.com/support/supportnet/refguide/
You may receive an error message if you run a function called "Test1" if that function is located in a Visual Basic module in a workbook that also contains a module named "Test1".

Example

1. In a new workbook, insert a new Visual Basic module and name it 

   "Test1" (without the quotation marks).
2. In Test1 (the module that you just inserted), type the following 
   function:

      Function Test1()
          TestVar = 1
      End Function
3. In cell A1 of a new worksheet in the same workbook, type the following 
   formula:

      =Test1()

   You may receive the error message "Expected procedure, not module". A
   #NAME! error value is returned to cell A1.
4. In cell A1 of a new worksheet in a different workbook, enter the 
   formula:

      =Book1!Test1()

   You may receive an error message. A #NAME! error value appears in cell
   A1.
Additional query words: 5.00 5.00a 5.00c 7.00 7.00a XL98 XL97 XL7 XL5 
Keywords          : kbprg kbdta kbdtacode PgmOthr KbVBA 
Version           : WINDOWS:5.0,5.0c,7.0,97; MACINTOSH:5.0,5.0a,98
Platform          : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

Last Reviewed: May 17, 1999