XL5: GET.CHART.ITEM() Returns #Value! If Chart Item Selected

• Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Excel version 5.0, if you use the GET.CHART.ITEM() function in a Microsoft Excel version 4.0 macro, the function may return the #VALUE! error value instead of the position of the selected chart item.

CAUSE

This error value is returned under either of the following conditions:

• You use the GET.CHART.ITEM() function to return the position of an arrow, when another arrow on the chart is selected.

  -or-

• You use the GET.CHART.ITEM() function to return the position of an unattached label (text box), when another unattached label on the chart is selected.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was corrected in Microsoft Excel for Windows version 5.0c.

WORKAROUND

To avoid receiving the #VALUE! error, use the SELECT() function to make sure no chart item is selected before you use the GET.CHART.ITEM() function to return a chart item. The following example returns the horizontal coordinate of the arrow shaft of "Arrow 1" even if another arrow on the chart is selected:

   =SELECT()
   =GET.CHART.ITEM(1, 1, "Arrow 1")

MORE INFORMATION

You can use the GET.CHART.ITEM() function to return the horizontal or vertical position of a point on a chart item.

For more information about the GET.CHART.ITEM() function, do the following:

1. From the Help menu, choose Contents.

2. From the Help Contents screen, select Reference Information.

3. Under General Reference, select Microsoft Excel Macro Functions Contents.

4. Choose the Search button and type the following:

         GET.CHART.ITEM function