How to turn a string formula into a "real" formula?

How to Turn a String Formula into a "Real" Formula?

📝 Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Welcome to another exciting blog post where we demystify tech problems and offer straightforward solutions, all while having fun! Today, we'll tackle a common issue that many excel users face: how to turn a string formula into a "real" formula. Let's dive right in! 💪

🤔 So, a user comes to you and says, "I have 0,4*A1 in a cell (as a string). How can I convert this "string formula" into a real formula and calculate its value in another cell?" Don't panic! We've got your back. Here are a couple of simple ways to solve this:

Option 1: Using the EVALUATE Function

1. Select the cell where you want the result to appear.

2. In the formula bar, type =EVALUATE(A1).

3. Hit Enter! 🎉

The EVALUATE function will take the string formula in cell A1, evaluate it as a real formula, and display the calculated value in the selected cell. Easy peasy, right? 😉

Option 2: Leveraging the INDIRECT Function

1. Select the cell where you want the result to appear.

2. In the formula bar, type =INDIRECT(A1).

3. Press Enter, and celebrate! 🎉

The INDIRECT function allows you to use a cell reference as a text string and then converts it into a real formula. It may be a slightly different approach, but it gets the job done just as effectively.

Option 3: Custom Excel VBA Macro

If you're comfortable with coding or want to extend your Excel skills, you can use a custom VBA macro. Here's how:

1. Press ALT + F11 to open the VBA editor.

2. Click on "Insert" in the toolbar and select "Module."

3. Paste the following code into the new module:

Function EvaluateFormula(strFormula As String) As Variant
    EvaluateFormula = Evaluate(strFormula)
End Function

1. Close the VBA editor.

2. In your desired cell, type =EvaluateFormula(A1).

3. Press Enter and watch the magic happen! ✨

💡Remember, for this option to work, you need to enable macros in your Excel settings. If you're unsure how to do that, a quick internet search tailored to your Excel version will do the trick.

🔥 There you have it! Three simple ways to convert a string formula into a "real" formula and get the desired outcome. Whether you prefer utilizing Excel functions or diving into VBA macros, we've got you covered. Now go forth, solve those formulas, and dazzle your colleagues with your newfound Excel prowess! 💫

🚀 We would love to hear what you think about this topic. If you have any other tips or insights, drop them in the comments below 👇 Let's engage and learn from each other's experiences! Happy crunching! 💻