XL2000: How to Programmatically Make Sure That Only Numbers Are Entered in a Column (213358)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel 2000
This article was previously published under Q213358

SUMMARY

This article contains a sample Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications Sub procedure (macro) that you can use to ensure that only a certain type of data entry occurs. The macro in this article requires a user to enter only numbers in a specific column on a worksheet.

NOTE: The Validation command in the Data menu provides the same functionality as the sample macros in this article and has an expanded range of restrictions and validation message options.

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 a Microsoft Certified Partner or the Microsoft fee-based consulting line at (800) 936-5200. For more information about Microsoft Certified Partners, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/partner/referral/

For more information about the support options that are available and about how to contact Microsoft, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

To create and run a sample Visual Basic macro that can restrict the data type in a spreadsheet column, use the steps in the following example.

This sample macro restricts the data in column "C" (column 3) of worksheet 1 to numbers only.
  1. Start Excel, and then Press ALT+F11 to start the Visual Basic editor.
  2. On the Insert menu, click Module.
  3. In the module sheet, type the following code:
    Sub Auto_Open()
    Sheets("Sheet1").OnEntry = "numbers"
End Sub

Sub numbers()
    If ActiveCell.Column = 3 And Not IsNumeric(ActiveCell.Value) Then
        MsgBox "Enter a number."
        ActiveCell.Value = ""  ' Clears contents of active cell.
    End If
End Sub
  4. Press ALT+F11 to return to Excel.
  5. On the Tools menu, point to Macro, and then click Macros.
  6. In the Macro name box, click Auto_Open, and then click Run.
  7. In cell C1, type C, and then press ENTER.

    The entry disappears and a message box returns "Enter a number".

REFERENCES

For more information about validating data in a worksheet, click Microsoft Excel Help on the Help menu, type specify the valid entries for cells in the Office Assistant or the Answer Wizard, and then click Search to view the topic.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/11/2006
Keywords:kbdtacode kbhowto kbProgramming KB213358
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