Excel workbooks can become quite complex. In fact, it is possible to create workbooks that can take hours to calculate. The only problem with this, of course, is that when you open a workbook, it automatically recalculates if you have Excel configured to do that. This means that just opening a workbook can, in some instances, take hours.
One solution, of course, is to turn off automatic recalculation before you open the workbook. If you are like me, this solution isn't that great because neither is my memory.
A better solution is to turn off automatic recalculation for certain workbooks. Since Excel doesn't allow you to specify manual or automatic recalculation on a workbook-by-workbook basis, you will need to add this feature through the use of a macro that automatically runs when the workbook is opened. This macro can turn off automatic recalculation, as shown here:
Private Sub Workbook_Open() Application.Calculation = xlManual Application.CalculateBeforeSave = False End Sub
This macro must be placed in the ThisWorkbook project window. This means that you should open the workbook, press Alt+F11 to display the VBA Editor, and then double-click on the ThisWorkbook object in the Object Browser (upper-left corner of the VBA Editor window).
If you want, you can also place another macro right after the previous one. This macro is run automatically when the workbook is closed and, in this case, turns automatic recalculation back on:
Private Sub Workbook_BeforeClose(Cancel As Boolean) Application.Calculation = xlAutomatic Application.CalculateBeforeSave = True End Sub
There is an important caveat to remember in relation to using this macro. You can only set the calculation mode for the application as a whole. Thus, with automatic recalculation turned off, no other worksheets will be automatically recalculated, either.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (11577) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Excel in Office 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Forcing Manual Calculation For a Workbook.
Program Successfully in Excel! John Walkenbach's name is synonymous with excellence in deciphering complex technical topics. With this comprehensive guide, "Mr. Spreadsheet" shows how to maximize your Excel experience using professional spreadsheet application development tips from his own personal bookshelf. Check out Excel 2013 Power Programming with VBA today!
When developing macros, you can create subroutines. This is a great way to reuse common code and make your programming ...
Discover MoreExcel doesn't allow you to run a macro while editing the contents of a cell. The only solution is to get out of Edit ...
Discover MoreNeed a quick way to change the default drive and directory in a macro you are writing? Here's the commands to do it and a ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2020-09-12 08:04:23
Pat
Allen
This does not work where Excel is already open and Calc is set to auto
Any other thoughts?
2018-08-11 01:41:27
page hamilton
Thanks Allen, very helpful. This seems to work if I open the workbook with above macro to keep it in manual mode first, then if I open any other workbook on my hard drive, all is well - it stays in manual mode. Only thing is when I download an excel file via browser and open it from the browser "open or save" prompt, it triggers the automatic calculation of the formulas in the first workbook, ignoring the settings from the workbook_open macro. Excel 2010.
any clues how I can keep that from happening?
thanks again,
Page
2017-11-02 06:53:09
Uwe
Hi Allen,
1st of all: many thanks to you for hundrets of times you got me out of trouble with your tips!
I'm struggeling with an Excel workbook which I only need to read from but which is very large and contains many complex formulas.
As you already mentioned, this one takes depending on your machine, roundabout half an hour to calculate.
I don't need to read from any calculated cell, so I don't need to have the workbook recalculated.
But: I'm not the owner of that workbook and cannot insert a makro which prevents it for automatic recalculation since other people who maintain it will get into trouble due to outdated cell contents.
Is there a way for me to read-only open the "foreign" workbook and prevent it from recalculation without compromising the owner of it?
By the way: we're talking about Excel 2010, OK?
It would be highly appreciated if you could help me with this.
Many thanks in advance and have a great time!
Uwe
2016-03-22 11:50:13
Michael Johnson
Hi,
The OPEN macro presented here doesn't solve the problem described. Upon opening my Excel 2010 workbook, the 20 minutes of calculation begins just like normal. If you have additional information or tips for making this coding work, please let me know.
Thank you
Excel user for 20 years
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2021 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments