Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Declaring Variables.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 8, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365
If you have ever programmed any macros, you are probably familiar with how you define variables using the Dim keyword. For instance, you can define an integer variable with the name MyVar as follows:
Dim MyVar As Integer
This is very straightforward, and will work fine in your code. You may be tempted to define multiple variables per line, however:
Dim x, y, z As Integer
In some versions of the BASIC language, this will define and initialize three variables, each as an integer. In VBA it also appears to run properly, and no error is generated. However, there is a small problem—only the last variable (z) is actually defined as an integer. You can see how this works by using the following code:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Sub DimTest()
Dim x, y, z As Integer
MsgBox "x is type " & VarType(x)
MsgBox "y is type " & VarType(y)
MsgBox "z is type " & VarType(z)
End Sub
When you run the macro, the first two message boxes that pop up show that the variable type for x and y are 0, which means uninitialized. Only the last message box (for z) shows a variable type of 2, meaning an integer.
The solution is to make sure that you declare your variables one per line, or using the full syntax for each variable, as in the following:
Dim x As Integer, y As Integer, z As Integer
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (12098) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Declaring Variables.
Do More in Less Time! An easy-to-understand guide to the more advanced features available in the Microsoft 365 version of Word. Enhance the quality of your documents and boost productivity in any field with this in-depth resource. Complete your Word-related tasks more efficiently as you unlock lesser-known tools and learn to quickly access the features you need. Check out Microsoft 365 Word For Professionals For Dummies today!
When creating macros, it is sometimes necessary to know how many documents are open in Word. This is relatively easy to ...
Discover MoreMacros are part of the document and template that are loaded into memory when you open a file. If you have "junk" macros ...
Discover MoreDon't want a particular macro to be visible in the Macros dialog box? Once you understand the criteria that Word uses ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments