To run a macro in Excel, you can assign it to a button, use the Macros window, set a keyboard shortcut, or make it run automatically on file open. First, assign a macro to a clickable button via the Developer tab for ease of use by others. Second, run it directly from the Macros window (Alt F8) for testing or occasional use. Third, assign a keyboard shortcut during macro creation or through the Macros window for faster access. Fourth, configure the macro to run automatically when opening the workbook via the VBA editor for setup tasks. Each method offers flexibility depending on your needs.
Running a macro in Excel isn't as complicated as it might sound, especially once you get the hang of the basics. If you've recorded or written a macro and want to run it, there are several straightforward ways to do so — depending on how you want to use it.

Assign a Macro to a Button
One of the easiest ways to run a macro is by assigning it to a button. This makes it clickable and user-friendly, especially if others will be using your spreadsheet.

- Go to the Developer tab (if you don’t see it, enable it via File > Options > Customize Ribbon > check Developer).
- Click Insert, then choose a form control button.
- Draw the button on your sheet.
- When the "Assign Macro" window pops up, select the macro you want to run and click OK.
- Now anyone can just click that button to run the macro without needing to know anything else.
This method works well for repetitive tasks like sorting data, exporting values, or refreshing reports.
Run a Macro from the Macros Window
If you're still testing or only running macros occasionally, using the built-in Macros dialog box is simple and direct.

- Press
Alt F8
to open the Run Macro dialog. - From the list, select the macro you want to run.
- Click Run.
You can also click Edit to view or tweak the VBA code behind the macro. This is useful when debugging or making quick changes. Just make sure not to accidentally break any code while editing.
Use a Keyboard Shortcut
When you want speed and efficiency, setting up a keyboard shortcut for your macro is the way to go.
- When recording a new macro, Excel gives you the option to assign a shortcut key (like Ctrl Shift M).
- For existing macros, you can assign a shortcut through the Macros window (
Alt F8
), then click Options and set a shortcut key.
Keep in mind: shortcuts are case-sensitive and shouldn't conflict with existing Excel shortcuts. Also, if multiple macros have the same shortcut, only one will run — so stay organized.
Automatically Run a Macro When Opening a File
Sometimes you want a macro to run automatically when the workbook opens. This is helpful for setup tasks, like refreshing data or initializing settings.
To do this:
- Open the VBA editor (
Alt F11
) - Double-click ThisWorkbook under the Project Explorer
- Choose Workbook from the left dropdown and Open from the right
- Insert your macro code here
Now every time the file opens, the macro runs. Make sure the macro doesn't take too long or users might think the file is frozen.
That's basically how you run a macro in Excel — whether manually or automatically, there’s a method that fits your needs. Some methods are more beginner-friendly, while others give you more control. Either way, once your macro is ready, getting it to run is just a few clicks away.
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