Fixing the Runtime Error 9 in VBA While Looping Through Arrays

Learn how to resolve the common `Runtime Error 9: Subscript out of range` when working with arrays in VBA. Follow this guide for a solution!
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Fixing the Runtime Error 9 in VBA While Looping Through Arrays

If you've recently started using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) in Excel, you may have encountered the dreaded Runtime Error 9: Subscript out of range. This error usually arises when trying to access an index in an array that does not exist. One common scenario is when iterating through an array of items and comparing elements. Below, we will address this specific problem and provide a solution that works seamlessly.

The Problem

Imagine you have a list of 30 items in Excel, each with specific attributes. Your goal is to compare these items pairwise and check for matches based on their specifications. However, on executing your code, you receive the Runtime Error 9, indicating that there is an issue with accessing the array’s indices. The error might seem puzzling, especially if you believe your indices are within bounds.

Here is a simplified version of the problematic code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This line of code is attempting to check conditions against the data loaded into an array from your Excel sheet.

Analyzing the Code

Common Causes of the Error

Array Indexing: In VBA, arrays are 1-based by default for ranges. If you are looping through an array with 0-based indices, as is common in other programming languages, you will likely exceed the actual bounds of the array.

Incorrect Range Reference: Ensure that the range from which you are pulling data is defined correctly to match the array's expected size.

Solution Breakdown

To resolve the issue, we will adjust the way you are accessing your data. Here’s a revised version of your code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Key Changes Made:

Corrected Range: Ensure the correct reference to the range that matches the expected data.

1-Based Indexing: The loop was changed to start from 1, acknowledging that VBA arrays derived from ranges start at index 1.

Exit Condition: Added Exit For to stop the inner loop once a match is found, thereby optimizing the code.

Conclusion

With the above adjustments, your VBA script should work without throwing the Runtime Error 9. Debugging such errors can be tricky, especially when switching between different programming languages. With practice, you'll become more familiar with these nuances in VBA.

If you face further issues or need assistance with other programming topics, feel free to reach out. Happy coding!