Runtime error 9 subscript out of range in vba excel

Home / VBA / VBA Subscript Out of Range Runtime Error (Error 9)

Subscript Out of Range Error (Run Time: Error 9) occurs when you refer to an object or try to use a variable in a code that doesn’t exist in the code, in that case, VBA will show this error. As every code that you write is unique, so the cause of the error would be.

In the following example, you have tried to activate the “Sheet1” which is an object. But as you can see in the workbook no worksheet exists with the name “Sheet1” (instead you have “Sheet2”) so VBA show “Subscript Out of Range” to notify you that there’s something wrong with the code.

Subscript Out of Range

There could be one more situation when you have to face the error “Subscript Out of Range Error” when you are trying to declare a dynamic array but forget to use the DIM and ReDim statement to redefine the length of the array.

Now in the above code, you have an array with the name “myArray” and to make it dynamic we have initially left the array length blank. But before you add an item you need to redefine the array length using the ReDim statement.

And that’s the mistake we have made in the above code and VBA has returned the “Script Out of Range” error.

Sub myMacro()
Dim myArray() As Variant
myArray(1) = "One"
End Sub

How Do I Fix Subscript Out of Range in Excel?

The best way to deal with this Subscript Out of Range is to write effective codes and make sure to debug the code that you have written (Step by Step).

When you run a code step by step it is easy for you to know on which line of that code you have an error as VBA will show you the error message for Error 9 and highlight that line with yellow color.

The other thing that you can do is to use an “Error Handler” to jump to a specific line of error when it happens.

In the following code, we have written a line to activate the sheet but before that, we have used the goto statement to move to the error handler. In the error handler, you have a message box that shows you a message with the Err. Description that an error has occurred.

So, when you run this code and the “Sheet1” is not in the workbook where you are trying to activate it. It will show you a message box just like below.

And if the “Sheet1” is there then there won’t be any message at all.

Sub myMacro()

Dim wks As Worksheet

On Error GoTo myError
Sheets("Sheet1").Activate

myError:
MsgBox "There's an error in the code: " & Err.Description & _
". That means there's some problem with the sheet " & _
"that you want to activate"

End Sub

Subscript out of range is an error we encounter in VBA when we try to reference something or a variable that does not exist in a code. For example, suppose we do not have a variable named x. Then, if we use the MsgBox function on x, we will encounter a “Subscript out of range” error.

VBA “Subscript out of range” error occurs because the object we are trying to access does not exist. It is an error type in VBA codingVBA code refers to a set of instructions written by the user in the Visual Basic Applications programming language on a Visual Basic Editor (VBE) to perform a specific task.read more, a “Run Time Error 9.” It is important to understand the concepts to write efficient code. It is even more important to understand the error of your VBA codeVBA error handling refers to troubleshooting various kinds of errors encountered while working with VBA. read more to debug the code efficiently.

If you make a coding error and do not know what that error is when you are gone.

A doctor cannot give medicine to his patient without knowing what the disease is. Doctors and patients both know there is a disease (error), but it is more important to understand the disease (error) rather than give medicine to it. If you can understand the error perfectly, it is much easier to find the solution.

Similarly, this article will see one of the important errors we regularly encounter, i.e., the “Subscript out of range” error in Excel VBA.

Table of contents
  • Excel VBA Subscript Out of Range
    • What is Subscript out of Range Error in Excel VBA?
    • Why Subscript Out of Range Error Occurs?
    • VBA Subscript Error in Arrays
    • How to Show Errors at the End of the VBA Code?
    • Recommended Articles

VBA Subscript Out of Range

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What is Subscript out of Range Error in Excel VBA?

For example, if you are referring to the sheet, not the workbook, then we get Run-time error ‘9’: “Subscript out of range.”

Subscript out of range

If you click on the “End” button, it will end the sub procedure. If you click on “Debug,” it will take you to the line of code where it encountered an error, and help will take you to the Microsoft website page.

Why Does Subscript Out of Range Error Occur?

As we said, as a doctor, it is important to find the deceased before thinking about the medicine. VBA “Subscript out of range” error occurs when the line of code does not read the object we entered.

For example, look at the below image. We have three sheets: Sheet1, Sheet2, and Sheet3.

VBA Subcript Out of Range Example 1

Now in the code, we have written the code to select the sheet “Sales.”

Code:

Sub Macro2()

   Sheets("Sales").Select

End Sub

VBA Subcript Out of Range Example 1-1

If we run this code using the F5 key or manually, we will get the Run-time error ‘9’: “Subscript out of range.”

VBA Subcript Out of Range Example 1-2

It is because we tried accessing the worksheet object “Sales,” which does not exist in the workbook. It is a run time error because it occurred while running the code.

Another common subscript error is when we refer to the workbook, which is not there. For example, look at the below code.

Code:

Sub Macro1()

  Dim Wb As Workbook

  Set Wb = Workbooks("Salary Sheet.xlsx")

End Sub

VBA Subcript Out of Range Example 1-3

The above code says variable WB should be equal to the workbook “Salary Sheet.xlsx.” As of now, this workbook is not open on the computer. If we run this code manually or through the F5 key, we will get Run time error 9: “Subscript out of Range.

VBA Subcript Out of Range Example 1-4

It is due to the workbook we are referring to which is either not open or does not exist at all.

VBA Subscript Error in Arrays

When you declare the array as the dynamic array, and if you don’t use the word DIM or REDIM in VBAThe VBA Redim statement increases or decreases the storage space available to a variable or an array. If Preserve is used with this statement, a new array with a different size is created; otherwise, the current variable’s array size is changed.read more to define the length of an array, we usually get the VBA “Subscript out of range” error. For example, look at the below code.

Code:

Sub Macro3()

   Dim MyArray() As Long

   MyArray(1) = 25

End Sub

VBA Subcript Out of Range Example 2

In the above, we have declared the variable as an array but have not assigned a start and ending point. Rather, we have assigned the first array the value of 25.

If we run this code using the F5 key or manually, we will get Run time error ‘9’: “Subscript out of Range.”

Range Example 2-1

To fix this issue, we need to assign the length of an array by using the “ReDim” word.

Code:

Sub Macro3()

   Dim MyArray() As Long
   ReDim MyArray(1 To 5)

   MyArray(1) = 25

End Sub

Range Example 2-2

This code does not give any errors.

How to Show Errors at the End of the VBA Code?

If you do not want to see the error while the code is up and running but needs an error list at the end, then you need to use the “On Error Resume” error handler. For example, look at the below code.

Code:

Sub Macro1()

Dim Wb As Workbook
On Error Resume Next
Set Wb = Workbooks("Salary Sheet.xlsx")

MsgBox Err.Description

End Sub

Out of Range Example 3

As we have seen, this code will throw Run time error 9: “Subscript out of range” in Excel VBA. But we must use the error handler On Error Resume Next in VBAVBA On Error Resume Statement is an error-handling aspect used for ignoring the code line because of which the error occurred and continuing with the next line right after the code line with the error.read more while running the code. So, we will not get any error messages. Rather, the end message box shows me the error description like this.

Subcript Out of Range Example 3-1

You can download the Excel VBA Subscript Out of Range Template here:- VBA Subscript Out of Range Template

Recommended Articles

This article has been a guide to VBA Subscript Out of Range. Here, we learned the Error called “Subscript out of range” (Run-time error’9′) in Excel VBA, along with practical examples and a downloadable template. Below you can find some useful Excel VBA articles: –

  • Declare Global Variables in VBA
  • VBA AutoFill
  • Clear Contents in VBA
  • Excel VBA UCase Function
 

tgg

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Регистрация: 23.02.2014

Добрый вечер знатоки. Простой макрос стал прерываться ошибка runtime error 9 subscript out of range, долго искал причину.. а оказалось дело в следующем. При открытии другой Книги, или работая в другой книге в момент когда запускаются макросы (2 шт.каждые 60сек) в Книге1 и вылетает error

Изменено: tgg16.03.2018 10:48:28

 

А где собственно вопрос?

С уважением,
Федор/Все_просто

 

tgg

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Регистрация: 23.02.2014

#3

27.03.2015 20:31:46

На строке With Worksheets(«Лист1») всё и происходит!
Что надо изменить в коде (?) для работы одновременно в разных Книгах EXCEL

Код
Sub ShowWatch()     
ThisWorkbook.Sheets(1).Range("F1").Value = Now - Date     
Application.OnTime Now + TimeSerial(0, 0, 60), "ShowWatch"     
Application.OnTime Now + TimeSerial(0, 0, 60), "Proverka" 
End Sub 

Private Sub "Proverka"() 
With Worksheets("Лист1")             
If [I2] = "a" Then                 
Exit Sub             
 End If             
If [J2] <> "Ok" Then                 
Exit Sub             
 End If 
OtpravkaPisma     
[I2] = "a"     
[G2] = [D139]     
[G2].Value = [G2].Value         
End With End Sub

Изменено: tgg31.03.2015 22:50:24

 

Казанский

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#4

27.03.2015 20:46:12

Начало второй процедуры:

Код
Private Sub Proverka()
With ThisWorkbook.Worksheets("Лист1")
  If .Range("I2") = "a" Then

Аналогично переделайте все квадратные скобки.

 

tgg

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Регистрация: 23.02.2014

Вот в чём вопрос??
Пол часа полёт нормальный!
Спасибо огромное, все работает.
Но мучает вопрос, в чем косяк случился?

Изменено: tgg31.03.2015 22:50:35

 

1. Worksheets(«Лист1»)  — без указания принадлежности к книге, относится к активной в момент запуска макроса книге. Видимо, в ней нет листа Лист1.
2. Оператор With фактически не работает, т.к. нигде нет обращения к свойству или методу, начинающегося с точки.
3. [I2], т.е. Range(«I2») — без указания листа, относится к активному в момент запуска макроса листу.

 

tgg

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Регистрация: 23.02.2014

Еще раз огромное спасибо!!

 

Юрий М

Модератор

Сообщений: 60574
Регистрация: 14.09.2012

Контакты см. в профиле

tgg, два момента:
1. Свои коды оформляйте соответствующим тегом — посмотрите, как выглядит код у Казанского.
2. Не нужно цитировать всё подряд.

 

tgg

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Регистрация: 23.02.2014

#9

19.06.2015 22:03:22

Доброго времени суток! Не прошло и полгода …. Я к Вам с поклоном и вопросом.
Макрос в модуле листа из этой темы (

http://www.planetaexcel.ru/forum/?FID=8&PAGE_NAME=read&TID=30902

), с той лишь разностью, что работает с диапазоном — If Not Intersect(ActiveCell, Range(«E18:E27»)) Is Nothing Then. Вот собственно сам макрос:

Код
Option Explicit 

Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range) 
    If Not Intersect(ActiveCell, Range("E18:E27")) Is Nothing Then 
        Call Module1.Spravka 
    End If 
End Sub 

Но старая песня, опять при открытии другой книги excel этот макрос зачем-то срабатывает и встаёт на 2 строке.
Подскажите пожалуйста, как его поправить!?!
Спасибо!

 

Johny

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Когда открывается книга, то она становится активной, и поэтому Ваш диапазон Range(«E18:E27») относится уже к ОТКРЫТОЙ книге.

There is no knowledge that is not power

 

tgg

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Регистрация: 23.02.2014

Пробовались разные варианты, это первый вариант макроса, с указанием листа и принадлежности к книге. Но результат всегда был один и тот же.

 

Johny

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#12

19.06.2015 22:20:38

Цитата
tgg написал: Пробовались разные варианты

Ну так покажите эти «разные» варианты.

There is no knowledge that is not power

 

tgg

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Так они ведь не работают как надо!

 

Rjn

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#14

16.03.2018 09:08:30

Добрый день!
В макросах новичок, второй день разбираюсь.
Подскажите  пожалуйста.
Есть макрос который из одного файла переносит информацию в другой файл.
Другой файл называется «Система прогнозирования свободных остатков_пробный.xlsm»
Если этот файл открыт, то  данные переносятся, если файл закрыт, то данные не переносятся и выходит ошибка subscript out of range
Ниже макрос

Код
Dim sbor As Range

Sub PerenosSbor()
   Dim lStart As Long, lEnd As Long, lLastRow As Long

   Application.ScreenUpdating = False
   Application.EnableEvents = False

  Workbooks("Система прогнозирования свободных остатков_пробный.xlsm").Save

   Application.Wait (Now + TimeValue("0:00:3"))

   '1. Определение первой ячейки с данными в столбце "A".
   'After:=Cells(Rows.Count, "A") указывает, с какой ячейки начать поиск.
   'Если не указывать, то поиск ведётся с ячейки "A1" и первой просматриватся
   'ячейка "A2". Если данные уже есть в ячейке "A1", то результат
   'будет неправильным. Поэтому нужно указать ячейку, с которой начинается поиск.

   lStart = Columns("A").Find(What:="?", After:=Cells(1, "A"), _
       LookIn:=xlValues, LookAt:=xlPart, SearchOrder:=xlByColumns, _
       SearchDirection:=xlNext, MatchCase:=False, SearchFormat:=False).Row

   '2. Определение последней ячейки с данными в столбце "A".

   lEnd = Columns("A").Find(What:="?", LookIn:=xlValues, LookAt:=xlPart, _
       SearchOrder:=xlByColumns, SearchDirection:=xlPrevious, _
       MatchCase:=False, SearchFormat:=False).Row

   '3. Выделение диапазона с данными в столбце "A".

  Set sbor = Range("A" & lStart & ":G" & lEnd)

With Workbooks("Система прогнозирования свободных остатков_пробный.xlsm").Worksheets("1.СБОР")
lLastRow = .Cells(.Rows.Count, 1).End(xlUp).Row + 1
On Error Resume Next
.ShowAllData
sbor.Copy
.Range("A" & lLastRow).PasteSpecial xlPasteValuesAndNumberFormats
End With

Workbooks("Система прогнозирования свободных остатков_пробный.xlsm").Save
   Application.ScreenUpdating = True
   Application.EnableEvents = True
End Sub
 

Rjn

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Регистрация: 16.03.2018

В чем ошибка???
На сколько я знаю  историю создания макроса, данный макрос так же  писал не профи)

 

Hugo

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Ведь естественно — если файл закрыт, то при попытке его сохранения должна быть ошибка.

 

Sanja

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#17

16.03.2018 09:19:33

Цитата
Rjn написал: В чем ошибка?

Вы же выше сами написали, что

Цитата
Rjn написал: Если этот файл открыт, то  данные переносятся, если файл закрыт, то данные не переносятся

Макрос написан именно так, что файл должен быть предварительно открыт

Согласие есть продукт при полном непротивлении сторон.

 

Rjn

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Регистрация: 16.03.2018

А где и как исправить макрос, что бы он работал при закрытом  файле?

 

vikttur

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Сообщений: 47199
Регистрация: 15.09.2012

1. Код в сообщении  следует оформлять кнопкой <…>
2. Не нужно форматировать шрифт мелким. Стандартный нормально смотрится.

 

vsahno

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Регистрация: 22.07.2017

#20

21.02.2019 19:08:28

Цитата
tgg написал:
Так они ведь не работают как надо!

У меня не были прописаны ПОЛНЫЕ ИМЕНА ФАЙЛОВ! — только название, без расширения:
Workbooks(«Авторизация»).Worksheets(«Лист8»)
НА моем компе макросы работали как надо! НО при установке у клиента … как там — …»runtime error 9 subscript out of range». Главное у них и по сети на 1 компе все прекрасно работало!!!
Пока додумался до: Workbooks(«Авторизация.xlsm»).Worksheets(«Лист8») —  больше часа убил и вспотел! :)

 

Дмитрий Минин

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Регистрация: 04.07.2022

#21

21.03.2023 10:15:59

Добрый день!
Подскажите, как исправить ошибку, мозгов не хватает понять и разобраться?!

Код
Sub GetCoordinates()
    Dim fso As Object
    Dim objShell As Object
    Dim objFolder As Object
    Dim objFile As Object
    Dim strPath As String
    Dim arrDetails As Variant
    Dim latRef As String, lonRef As String
    Dim latDeg As Double, latMin As Double, latSec As Double, lonDeg As Double, lonMin As Double, lonSec As Double, alt As Double
    Dim i As Integer
    
    'Путь к файлу
    strPath = "C:UsersMininDODesktopExifTool-54_[10].JPG"
    
    'Создание объектов
    Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
    Set objShell = CreateObject("Shell.Application")
    Set objFolder = objShell.Namespace(fso.GetParentFolderName(strPath))
    Set objFile = objFolder.ParseName(fso.GetFileName(strPath))
    
    'Получение деталей файла
    arrDetails = Split(objFolder.GetDetailsOf(objFile, 27), ";")
    
    'Извлечение координат
    For i = 0 To UBound(arrDetails)
        If InStr(arrDetails(i), "GPS Latitude Ref") > 0 Then
            latRef = arrDetails(i + 1)
        ElseIf InStr(arrDetails(i), "GPS Latitude") > 0 Then
            latDeg = CDbl(Split(arrDetails(i + 1), "°")(0))
            latMin = CDbl(Split(arrDetails(i + 1), "°")(1))
            latSec = CDbl(Split(Split(arrDetails(i + 1), "°")(2), ".")(0))
        ElseIf InStr(arrDetails(i), "GPS Longitude Ref") > 0 Then
            lonRef = arrDetails(i + 1)
        ElseIf InStr(arrDetails(i), "GPS Longitude") > 0 Then
            lonDeg = CDbl(Split(arrDetails(i + 1), "°")(0))
            lonMin = CDbl(Split(arrDetails(i + 1), "°")(1))
            lonSec = CDbl(Split(Split(arrDetails(i + 1), "°")(2), ".")(0))
        ElseIf InStr(arrDetails(i), "GPS Altitude") > 0 Then
            alt = CDbl(Replace(arrDetails(i + 1), " m", ""))
        End If
    Next i
    
    'Преобразование координат в десятичные градусы
    If latRef = "S" Then
        latDeg = -latDeg
    End If
    If lonRef = "W" Then
        lonDeg = -lonDeg
    End If
    latDeg = latDeg + (latMin / 60) + (latSec / 3600)
    lonDeg = lonDeg + (lonMin / 60) + (lonSec / 3600)
    
    'Вывод координат в ячейки Excel
    Sheets("Sheet1").Range("A1").Value = latDeg
    Sheets("Sheet1").Range("B1").Value = lonDeg
    Sheets("Sheet1").Range("C1").Value = alt
    
    'Очистка объектов
    Set fso = Nothing
    Set objShell = Nothing
    Set objFolder = Nothing
    Set objFile = Nothing
End Sub

Прикрепленные файлы

  • Безымянный.jpg (228.87 КБ)

 

Существует ли лист «Sheet1» в активной книге?

 

Дмитрий Минин

Пользователь

Сообщений: 2
Регистрация: 04.07.2022

#23

21.03.2023 11:00:04

Цитата
написал:
Существует ли лист «Sheet1» в активной книге?

Понял ошибку и уже исправил.

Summary: The runtime error 9 in Excel usually occurs when you use different objects in a code or the object you are trying to use is not defined. This post will discuss the reasons behind the Excel VBA error «Subscript out of Range” and the solutions to resolve the issue. It will also mention an Excel repair tool that can help fix the error if it occurs due to corruption in worksheet.

Free Download for Windows

Contents

  • Causes of VBA Runtime Error 9: Subscript Out Of Range
  • Methods to Fix Excel VBA Error ‘Subscript out of Range’
  • Conclusion

Many users have reported encountering the error “Subscript out of range” (runtime error 9) when using VBA code in Excel. The error often occurs when the object you are referring to in a code is not available, deleted, or not defined earlier. Sometimes, it occurs if you have declared an array in code but forgot to specify the DIM or ReDIM statement to define the length of array.

Causes of VBA Runtime Error 9: Subscript Out Of Range

The error ‘Subscript out of range’ in Excel can occur due to several reasons, such as:

  • Object you are trying to use in the VBA code is not defined earlier or is deleted.
  • Entered a wrong declaration syntax of the array.
  • Wrong spelling of the variable name.
  • Referenced a wrong array element.
  • Entered incorrect name of the worksheet you are trying to refer.
  • Worksheet you trying to call in the code is not available.
  • Specified an invalid element.
  • Not specified the number of elements in an array.
  • Workbook in which you trying to use VBA is corrupted.

Methods to Fix Excel VBA Error ‘Subscript out of Range’

Following are some workarounds you can try to fix the runtime error 9 in Excel.

Method 1: Check the Name of Worksheet in the Code

Sometimes, Excel throws the runtime error 9: Subscript out of range if the name of the worksheet is not defined correctly in the code. For example – When trying to copy content from one Excel sheet (emp) to another sheet (emp2) via VBA code, you have mistakenly mentioned wrong name of the worksheet (see the below code).

Private Sub CommandButton1_Click()
Worksheets("emp").Range("A1:E5").Select
Selection.Copy
Worksheets("emp3").Activate
Worksheets("emp3").Range("A1:E5").Select
ActiveSheet.Paste
Application.CutCopyMode = False
End Sub

VBA Error Subscript Out Of Range-When Incorrect Name

When you run the above code, the Excel will throw the Subscript out of range error.

So, check the name of the worksheet and correct it. Here are the steps:

  • Go to the Design tab in the Developer section.
  • Double-click on the Command button.
  • Check and modify the worksheet name (e.g. from “emp” to “emp2”).

Modified Code From emp to emp2

  • Now run the code.
  • The content in ‘emp’ worksheet will be copied to ‘emp2’ (see below).

Content Copied From emp to emp2

Method 2: Check the Range of the Array

The VBA error “Subscript out of range” also occurs if you have declared an array in a code but didn’t specify the number of elements. For example – If you have declared an array and forgot to declare the array variable with elements, you will get the error (see below):

Runtime Error 9 When Not Declared Array

To fix this, specify the array variable:

Sub FillArray()
Dim curExpense(364) As Currency
Dim intI As Integer
For intI = 0 to 364
curExpense(intI) = 20
Next
End Sub

Method 3: Change Macro Security Settings

The Runtime error 9: Subscript out of range can also occur if there is an issue with the macros or macros are disabled in the Macro Security Settings. In such a case, you can check and change the macro settings. Follow these steps:

  • Open your Microsoft Excel.
  • Navigate to File > Options > Trust Center.
  • Under Trust Center, select Trust Center Settings.
  • Click Macro Settings, select Enable all macros, and then click OK.

Macro Settings In Trust Center

Method 4: Repair your Excel File

The name or format of the Excel file or name of the objects may get changed due to corruption in the file. When the objects are not identified in a VBA code, you may encounter the Subscript out of range error. You can use the Open and Repair utility in Excel to repair the corrupted file. To use this utility, follow these steps:

  • In your MS Excel, click File > Open.
  • Browse to the location where the affected file is stored.
  • In the Open dialog box, select the corrupted workbook.
  • In the Open dropdown, click on Open and Repair.
  • You will see a prompt asking you to repair the file or extract data from it.
  • Click on the Repair option to extract the data as much as possible. If Repair button fails, then click Extract button to recover data without formulas and values.

If the “Open and Repair” utility fails to repair the corrupted/damaged macro-enabled Excel file, then try an advanced Excel repair tool, such as Stellar Repair for Excel. It can easily repair severely corrupted Excel workbook and recover all the items, including macros, cell comments, table, charts, etc. with 100% integrity. The tool is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Excel.

Conclusion

You may experience the “Subscript out of range” error while using VBA in Excel. You can follow the workarounds discussed in this blog to fix the error. If the Excel file is corrupt, then you can use Stellar Repair for Excel to repair the file. It’s a powerful software that can help fix all the issues that occur due to corruption in the Excel file. It helps to recover all the data from the corrupt Excel files (.xls, .xlsx, .xltm, .xltx, and .xlsm) without changing the original formatting. The tool supports Excel 2021, 2019, 2016, and older versions.

About The Author

monika

Monika Dadool is a Technical content writer at Stellar who writes about QuickBooks, Sage50, MySQL Database, Active Directory, e-mail recovery, Microsoft365, Pattern Recognition, and Machine learning. She loves researching, exploring new technology, and Developing engaging technical blogs that help organizations or Database Administrators fix multiple issues. When she isn’t creating content, she is busy on social media platforms, watching web series, reading books, and searching for food recipes.

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Sometimes when we write and attempt to run sub-procedures in Excel VBA, Excel VBA returns a message box with the error message “Runtime error 9: Subscript out of range.” 

subscript out of range error

The “Subscript out of range” error happens when we reference a non-existent collection member or a non-existent array element.

By the error, Excel VBA is telling us, “I have not found what you are looking for.”

This tutorial gives examples of specific causes of this error and how to fix it.

Before fixing the “Subscript out of range” error, you must identify its cause.

When you press the Debug button on the error message box, Excel VBA takes you to the statement that caused the error. By examining the line of code, you should be able to tell what caused the error. We outline some of the causes and solutions below. 

Cause #1: Referencing a Non-Existent Item in a Collection

We can only access members of collections within their delimited ranges.

Therefore, attempting to access a collection member outside the defined scope will cause the “Subscription out of range” runtime error. 

Suppose we have only Sheet1 and Sheet2 in our active workbook. 

sheets in the workbook

If we write the following sub-procedure and press F5 to run it:

We get the “Subscript out of range” error:

subscript out of range error

The error occurs because the Sheet3 object is not present in the Sheets collection, which consists of all the worksheets and chart sheets in the active workbook.

Therefore the code is referencing a non-existent entity in the Sheets collection.

How to Fix It

You can fix this error in any of the following ways:

  • Create the non-existent object; in this case, add Sheet3 to the workbook.
  • Check the spelling of the name of the collection member you want to access and ensure it is correct.
  • In the Excel VBA code, refer to an object present in the collection; in this case, you can refer to either Sheet1 or Sheet2. 
  • Use the For Each…Next loop instead of referencing specific collection members. The loop allows us to loop through collection members and repeat particular actions, such as unhiding worksheets.
Also read: Not Enough Memory to Complete This Action in Excel – How to Fix?

Cause #2: Attempting to Access a Closed Workbook

If you try to access a closed workbook, you get the “Subscript out of range” error.

For example, if we have a closed workbook called “Employees” on our computer, running the following sub-procedure will generate the “Subscript out of range” error.

Macro to activate closed workbook

This error is generated because a closed workbook is not part of the collection of workbooks.

All the open workbooks on your computer make up the workbooks collection. 

How to Fix It

You can use any of the following methods to fix the error. 

  • Open the workbook you want to access, then run the sub-procedure.
  • Use the For Each…Next loop to check whether the workbook you wish to access is open. The loop goes through all the available workbooks and matches the name of the workbook you want to access against each open workbook. If a match is found, the workbook is open otherwise; the workbook is closed.

Cause #3: Referencing a Non-existent Array Element 

If you reference a non-existent array element in your code, VBA displays the “Subscript out of range” to indicate something wrong with the code.

For example, the following code refers to an array element 11, which is not in the array declaration. 

incorrect array declaration

When we attempt to run the code, we get the “Subscript out of range” error.

How to Fix It

You can use any of the following techniques to solve the problem:

  • Verify the upper and lower bounds of the array in the array declaration. If the dimensions are different from what you intended, adjust them accordingly.
  • Ensure that you only refer to the array elements in the array declaration.
  • Use LBound and UBound functions to direct the access of redimensioned arrays. The LBound function returns the lower boundary of the array, which can be either 0 or 1. The UBound function returns the upper limit of the array, which is equivalent to the number of items in the array. 
  • If the array dimensions are declared variables, ensure the variable names are spelled correctly. 

Cause #4: Not Specifying the Number of Elements in an Array

If you declare an array but do not specify the number of elements in the array and attempt to access an element in the array,  VBA returns the “Subscript out of range” error.

For example, the following code results in the error:

number of arrays not declared

How to Fix It

  • Explicitly specify the number of elements in the array in the array declaration. 

Cause #5: Misspelling the name of a Workbook

If you misspell the name of the workbook you want to access, Excel VBA will return the “Subscript is out of range error.”

For example, if you want to activate a workbook named “Employees.xlsx,” the following code will not activate the workbook but return an error:

misspelled workbook name

Although the workbook is open, the sub-procedure does not activate it because its name needs to be corrected.

How to Fix It

  • Check the spelling of the workbook’s name in the sub-procedure and ensure it is correct. 

Cause #6: Specifying an Invalid Element

Sometimes when you use the shorthand form of a subscript, you may mistakenly specify an invalid element. 

For example, the shorthand for ActiveSheet.Range(“C3”) is [C3]. If this shorthand form of the subscript refers to an invalid element, you will get the “Subscript is out of range error.”

How to Fix It

Use a valid index or name for the collection. 

This tutorial has given reasons and solutions for the “Subscript out of range” error.  This error happens when we reference a non-existent collection member or a non-existent array element.

Examples of specific causes include 

  • Referencing a worksheet or workbook not present in the collection. 
  • Misspelling object names in the code.
  • Referencing a non-existent array element. 
  • Not specifying the number of elements in the array.
  • Attempting to access a closed workbook.
  • Specifying an invalid element. 

The solutions to the error include using the For Each…Next construct, instead of referencing specific items in the code and specifying the elements in an array. 

We hope you found the tutorial helpful.

Other articles you may also like:

  • Using Application.GetSaveAsFilename in VBA in Excel
  • Using Application.EnableEvents in VBA in Excel
  • SetFocus in Excel VBA – How to Use it?
  • How to Open Excel Files Using VBA
  • #NAME? Error in Excel – How to Fix!
  • #NUM! Error in Excel – How to Fix it?
  • SPILL Error in Excel – How to Fix?

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