Macro security settings in Excel - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This table lists example macros and their assigned macro security settings in Excel.

Cell	Value
A1	Macro Name
B1	Security Level
A2	AutoSave
B2	Disable all macros without notification
A3	DataImport
B3	Disable all macros with notification
A4	ReportGen
B4	Disable all macros except digitally signed macros
A5	Summary
B5	Enable all macros (not recommended)

Formula Trace

=IF(B2="Enable all macros (not recommended)","Run",IF(B2="Disable all macros with notification","Ask",IF(B2="Disable all macros except digitally signed macros","Signed Only","Blocked")))

Step 1: B2="Enable all macros (not recommended)"

Step 2: B2="Disable all macros with notification"

Step 3: B2="Disable all macros except digitally signed macros"

Step 4: Result = "Blocked"

Cell Reference Map

     A               B
1  Macro Name    Security Level
2  AutoSave     -> Disable all macros without notification
3  DataImport     Disable all macros with notification
4  ReportGen      Disable all macros except digitally signed macros
5  Summary        Enable all macros (not recommended)

The formula in a cell references B2 to check the macro security setting for 'AutoSave'.

Result

     A               B                                       C
1  Macro Name    Security Level                        Status
2  AutoSave     Disable all macros without notification  Blocked
3  DataImport   Disable all macros with notification    
4  ReportGen   Disable all macros except digitally signed macros
5  Summary     Enable all macros (not recommended)       

The formula result 'Blocked' appears in column C for the AutoSave macro based on its security setting in B2.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What does the formula return if the security level is 'Enable all macros (not recommended)'?

A Signed Only

B Ask

C Run

D Blocked

Key Result

IF checks conditions in order and returns corresponding text; defaults to 'Blocked' if no match.