What is the Difference Between VBA and Macros

The main difference between VBA and Macro is that VBA is the programming language to create Macros while Macros are programming codes that run on Excel environment to perform automatic routine tasks.

Excel is a spreadsheet application developed by Microsoft. It is available on various platforms such as Windows, Mac OS, and Android. We can do calculations, create graphs, and build pivot tables and many other tasks using Exel. VBA and Macro are two terms related to Excel. Macro is a way of representing multiple instructions. It helps to extend the capabilities of Excel and saves time. VBA is a programming language. It is possible to use VBA to create Macros. In brief, the user can automate tasks by creating Macros written using VBA.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is VBA
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Macro
    – Definition, Functionality
3. Relationship Between VBA and Macros
    – Outline of Association
4. Difference Between VBA and Macros
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Excel, Marco, VBA

Difference Between VBA and Macros - Comparison Summary

What is VBA

VBA stands for Visual Basic for Applications. It helps to record routine tasks. In other words, it is possible to use VBA to create Macros. User can record Macros with Macro recorder. The Macro recorder is simple and easier to use. It allows performing direct tasks, but not complicated tasks. Therefore, we can use VBA to expand the usual functionalities and to create advanced programs.

How to Create a Macro using VBA

You can create a Macro using VBA by following the below steps.

If there is no develop tab in the Excel, the user can right click anywhere in the ribbon.

Difference Between VBA and Macros

Then, he can select customize the ribbon option. It will open a dialog box. Then, the user can select the developer option and click ok.

Main Difference - VBA vs Macros

Now the developer tab is added to the ribbon.

Next, go to the developer tab and select Insert.

Difference Between VBA and Macros_Figure 3

Click the Command button from ActiveX Controls group.

Now the cursor changes into a plus sign. The user can draw the button on the sheet.

VBA vs Macros_Figure 4

Now he can right click on that button and select view code option.

It will open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

Now, the user can enter the code for Command Button1.

Then, the user can close the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

He can deselect the design mode.

Click on the commandButton1. It will print “Hello World” on A1 cell as follows.

VBA vs Macros_Figure 5

So, this is the method of creating a macro using VBA in excel.

Excel was the first Microsoft application to use VBA. Furthermore, users can also press Alt and F1 keys together to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.

What is Macro

Macro is a collection of commands that runs on an Excel environment. It can execute that command with a single click. Macros help to automate routine tasks. In other words, Macro is a computer program that provides automated instructions to the computer. Therefore, the user can execute the same tasks again and again. Moreover, it can be recorded and replayed from a specific entry point. Therefore, it is possible to repeat a macro multiple times as required by replaying the macro.

How to Create a Macro using Macro Recorder

User can go to the left bottom of the excel page. There is a ready tag. Right click on that bar to the right of “ready”.

VBA vs Macros_Figure 6

A list of options appears on the screen. Now the user can select “Marco Recording”.

Difference Between VBA and Macros_Figure 7

Now, the user can see the Macro button as shown below.

VBA vs Macros_Figure 8

Clicking on that icon opens the Record Macro window.  User can give a name to the Macro and press ok.

Difference Between VBA and Macros_Figure 9

Now the macro is recording.

VBA vs Macros_Figure 10

After completing the task, the user can go below the Excel sheet and click on that Macro button to stop recording the macro.

Relationship Between VBA and Macros

  • It is possible to create Macros using VBA.

Difference Between VBA and Macros

Definition

VBA is a programming language for developing automated tasks for Excel and other Microsoft Office programs like Word and PowerPoint while macros is a collection of commands that is used to replace a repetitive series of keyboard and mouse actions in an application such as MS Excel. Thus, this explains the main difference between VBA and Macros.

Basis

VBA is a programming language while Macro is a set of commands of a programming code that can be repeated multiple times.

Conclusion

There is a distinct difference between VBA and Macros although some people use these two terms interchangeably. The main difference between VBA and Macros is that VBA is the programming language to create Macros while Macros are programming codes that run on Excel environment to perform automatic routine tasks.

References:

1.“Microsoft Excel.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Feb. 2019, Available here.
2.“How to Write Macros in Excel: Step by Step Tutorial.” Meet Guru99 – Free Training Tutorials & Video for IT Courses, Available here.
3.Chan, Victor. “What Every Excel User Needs to Know about Macros and VBA in Excel.” Launch Excel, Launch Excel, 18 Apr. 2017, Available here.
4.“Excel VBA – What Is VBA in Excel? Definition and Overview.” Corporate Finance Institute, Available here.
5.“Create a Macro in Excel.” Of Excel – Easy Excel Tutorial, Available here.

About the Author: Lithmee

Lithmee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Systems Engineering and is reading for her Master’s degree in Computer Science. She is passionate about sharing her knowldge in the areas of programming, data science, and computer systems.

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