Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 23, 2024)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
It is not uncommon to compare strings in a macro. For instance, you may need to compare what a user typed with some pre-determined value. If you do this directly, you must take into consideration that the user may not have typed his (or her) string in the same way as you expected. Particularly vexing is the fact that the user may have mixed upper and lower case in their response.
The quickest and easiest way around this is to use either the UCase() or LCase() function on their input before you do the comparison. For instance, let's assume you prompt the user for the word "yes" to verify they want an action done. The following code will check the input, regardless of how the user typed it.
If LCase(sUserIn) = "yes" then bDoIt = True
The trick is to make sure your test string is either all upper or all lower case, and then convert the user's input to that same case.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (11704) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Comparing Strings.
Solve Real Business Problems Master business modeling and analysis techniques with Excel and transform data into bottom-line results. This hands-on, scenario-focused guide shows you how to use the latest Excel tools to integrate data from multiple tables. Check out Microsoft Excel Data Analysis and Business Modeling today!
Unprotecting a single worksheet is relatively easy. Unprotecting a whole lot of worksheets is harder. Here's how you can ...
Discover MoreCopying information using a macro is rather simple, although there are multiple ways you can do the copying. The most ...
Discover MoreWhen creating macros, it is helpful to know what is going on within the macro itself in case an error crops up. Here's ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2020-05-30 08:03:59
Alex B
You will also often see this to achieve the same thing
If StrComp(sUserIn, "yes", vbTextCompare)) = 0 then bDoIt = True
I don’t why but many programmers seem to prefer this method.
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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments