What is Macro and VBA?
Macros and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) are closely related tools used to automate tasks in Microsoft Excel. A macro is a recorded sequence of actions that Excel can replay automatically, while VBA is the programming language behind those automations. Together, they allow users to eliminate repetitive work, improve consistency, and build customized solutions within Excel.
For those new to the topic, Kevin Stratvert’s beginner-friendly tutorial provides an excellent introduction to both concepts. The video demonstrates how macros can automate routine tasks and explains how VBA can be used to extend those automations beyond what the Macro Recorder can generate automatically. Whether you work in accounting, auditing, data analysis, or general office operations, understanding the basics of VBA can be a valuable first step toward improving efficiency and developing a more systematic approach to problem-solving.
Advanced Learning Resources
- How to use the macro recorder
- The visual basic editor
- What objects, properties and methods are in VBA
- How to best refer to ranges and write to cells
- How to copy and paste data with VBA
- How to create loops (For Each, or For Counter loops)
- How to use the message box in VBA and much more….
These videos form a self-paced, online Excel VBA training course with supporting written material and practice exercises.
Although VBA is often viewed as an older technology, it remains a practical and widely used tool for automating tasks within Microsoft Excel. For professionals working in accounting, auditing, finance, operations, or data analysis, VBA can significantly reduce repetitive work while improving consistency and efficiency. More importantly, learning VBA encourages a different way of thinking—one that focuses on identifying processes that can be streamlined or automated rather than repeatedly performing the same tasks manually.
If you are new to VBA, a great first project is to create a One-Click Report Formatter. The workbook could automatically bold the header row, apply filters, autofit columns, freeze the top row, and format numeric values with a single button click. While simple, this project introduces many fundamental VBA concepts, including recording macros, editing code, working with ranges, and interacting with Excel worksheets. It also demonstrates one of VBA’s greatest strengths: turning a sequence of routine tasks into a repeatable process that can be completed in seconds.
As with many technical skills, the best way to learn VBA is not by reading about it, but by building something useful. Start with a small task you perform regularly in Excel, automate it, and gradually expand your solution as your knowledge grows.
— Linden Lake
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