XL: How to Determine if a Variable Is an Array

ID: Q151561

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Excel 98 Macintosh Edition
Microsoft Excel 97 for Windows
Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 5.0, 5.0c
Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a

SUMMARY

You can use the IsArray function to test a variable that has been set in a Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications procedure to determine whether it is an array.

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/

The IsArray function enables you to test a variable to determine whether it is indeed an array. It takes one argument and returns either True, if it is an array, or False if it is not. The IsArray function is useful when you call a function that is supposed to return an array; you can use IsArray to verify that the value returned is an array.

1. In a new Microsoft Excel Workbook, insert a new module sheet, and then

   type the following code:

      Sub IsArrayExample()

          Dim DataArray(2) As Integer        ' Declare an array.
          Dim ArrayBoolean As Boolean        ' Declare a Boolean variable.

          ArrayBoolean = IsArray(DataArray)  ' Check if DataArray is an
                                             ' array.
          If ArrayBoolean = True Then
              MsgBox "DataArray is an Array."
          End If

      End Sub

2. Run the IsArrayExample macro.

   This macro will display a message box that shows "DataArray is an
   Array."

3. Click OK to dismiss the message box.

REFERENCES

For more information about the IsArray function in Microsoft Excel 97, click the Office Assistant, type "isarray", click Search, and then click to view "IsArray Function."

For more information about IsArray in Microsoft Excel version 7.0, click Answer Wizard on the Help menu and type:

   IsArray

For additional information about getting help with Visual Basic for Applications, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID: Q163435
   TITLE     : VBA: Programming Resources for Visual Basic for
               Applications

Additional query words: 5.00 5.00a 5.00c 7.00 8.00 XL98 XL97 XL7 XL5

Keywords          : kbprg kbdta kbdtacode PgmHowto KbVBA 
Version           : WINDOWS:5.0,5.0c,7.0,97; MACINTOSH:5.0,5.0a,98
Platform          : MACINTOSH WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: May 18, 1999