Excel VBA assign value to named range from user defined function fails error 1004

Question

I have a function in a module. The function is defined as follows:

Public Function CourseSetup(ByVal SROfferId As Integer) as string

When the function called, The following line fails:

Worksheets("CourseEvaluation").Range("CourseName").value = "1234" 

fails with error 1004.

The same line in a sub (macro) works. CourseName is a one cell named ranged. Getting the value for the above range works.

In the immediate window:

?Worksheets("CourseEvaluation").Range("CourseName").value 

returns the current value in the range.

Answer 1

Functions called from the worksheet cannot manipulate worksheet objects other than the active cell wherein the formula is entered.

This preserves dependencies in formulae, prevents circular reference errors, etc.

As a general rule, use Subroutines to manipulate objects, and use Formulae to return values (whether to a cell reference or to a variable).

One exception is that a UDF called from within a subroutine can manipulate worksheet objects, but this is probably not a good habit to start. Keep your functions limited to returning values to variables/cells, and use subroutines to manipulate objects.

Further reading:

Making Excel functions affect 'other' cells

http://www.excelforum.com/excel-programming-vba-macros/477157-changing-cell-values-from-within-udf.html

http://www.ozgrid.com/Excel/free-training/ExcelVBA1/excelvba1lesson21.htm

Answer 2

user defined functions called from cells can only return values to the cell(s) they are called from. So your UDF is not allowed to write values to a defined name.

Answer 3

I ran into this problem a few days ago and found this answer. converting to a sub from a function solved the problem. However, if I called the function in the immediate window, it performed as desired. thought that was odd.