FOR

Macro Sheets Only

Starts a FOR-NEXT loop. The instructions between FOR and NEXT are repeated until the loop counter reaches a specified value. Use FOR when you need to repeat instructions a specified number of times. Use FOR.CELL when you need to repeat instructions over a range of cells.

Syntax

FOR(counter_text, start_num, end_num, step_num)

Counter_text is the name of the loop counter in the form of text.

Start_num is the value initially assigned to counter_text.

End_num is the last value assigned to counter_text.

Step_num is a value added to the loop counter after each iteration. If step_num is omitted, it is assumed to be 1.

Remarks

• Microsoft Excel follows these steps as it executes a FOR-NEXT loop:

Step Action

1 Sets counter_text to the value start_num.

2 If counter_text is greater than end_num (or less than end_num if step_num is negative), the loop ends, and the macro continues with the function after the NEXT function.

If counter_text is less than or equal to end_num (or greater than or equal to end_num if step_num is negative), the macro continues in the loop.

3 Carries out functions up to the following NEXT function. The NEXT function must be below the FOR function and in the same column.

4 Adds step_num to the loop counter.

5 Returns to the FOR function and proceeds as described in step 2.

• You can interrupt a FOR-NEXT loop by using the BREAK function.

Example

The following macro starts a FOR-NEXT loop that is executed once for every open window:

FOR("Counter", 1, COLUMNS(WINDOWS()))

Related Functions

BREAK Interrupts a FOR-NEXT, FOR.CELL-NEXT, or WHILE-NEXT loop

FOR.CELL Starts a FOR.CELL-NEXT loop

NEXT Ends a FOR-NEXT, FOR.CELL-NEXT, or WHILE-NEXT loop

WHILE Starts a WHILE-NEXT loop

List of Control Functions