How to Create an Excel Formula Loop Without VBA: Easy Guide

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Looping in Excel without using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) can seem tricky, especially when you’re trying to repeat a formula until a condition is met. Excel doesn’t support traditional loops like programming languages, but with the right combination of functions, you can mimic loop-like behavior using formulas.

In this guide, we will show you how to simulate a loop in Excel without writing VBA code. We’ll use built-in Excel formulas like SEQUENCE, SCAN, LAMBDA, IF, and INDEX to build logic that behaves like a loop.

Excel Functions That Mimic Loop Behavior

Excel’s newer dynamic array functions and legacy array formulas can help you repeat operations without VBA.

Key Functions to Know

FunctionPurpose
SEQUENCEGenerates a series of numbers for looping
IFAdds conditional logic
LAMBDACreates custom logic as reusable functions
SCANAccumulates values across arrays
REDUCEApplies operations over a list
INDEXRetrieves data based on position
LETAssigns names to calculations

These formulas simulate logic like “do this until a condition is met” by processing arrays step by step.

Example Scenario: Repeating a Formula Until a Condition Is Met

Let’s say you want to keep adding numbers in a column until the total exceeds 100. We’ll use formulas to do this without loops or macros.

Step 1: Sample Data

Assume your values are in cells A1:A10:

A
1   10
2   15
3   20
4   18
5   12
6   25
7   9
8   11
9   14
10  8

Step 2: Cumulative Sum Using SCAN

=SCAN(0, A1:A10, LAMBDA(a, b, a + b))

This formula adds numbers one by one from the range A1:A10, just like a loop.

Output in a column:

AB (Cumulative Sum)
1010
1525
2045
1863
1275
25100
9109
11120
14134
8142

Step 3: Find First Value That Crosses 100

Now, you want to stop the loop when the total reaches over 100. Use:

=MATCH(TRUE, SCAN(0, A1:A10, LAMBDA(a,b,a+b))>100, 0)

This returns the position where the cumulative total first exceeds 100. The output here would be 7, which means the sum exceeds 100 at the 7th value.

Step 4: Return All Values Until the Condition Is Met

Use INDEX and SEQUENCE:

=INDEX(A1:A10, SEQUENCE(MATCH(TRUE, SCAN(0, A1:A10, LAMBDA(a,b,a+b))>100, 0)))

This formula mimics a loop until a condition: it returns the numbers from the list until the cumulative sum > 100.

Creating a Custom Loop-Like Function Using LAMBDA

You can wrap the logic into a named formula using LAMBDA.

Step-by-Step Custom Function

  1. Go to Formulas > Name Manager > New
  2. Name it: LoopUntilSumExceeds
  3. Formula:
=LAMBDA(range,
   LET(
     cumulative, SCAN(0, range, LAMBDA(a,b,a+b)),
     position, MATCH(TRUE, cumulative > 100, 0),
     INDEX(range, SEQUENCE(position))
   )
)
  1. Save and close

Using the Custom Function

=LoopUntilSumExceeds(A1:A10)

This behaves like a loop: it keeps picking values until their total exceeds 100.

Looping with Iterative Calculation (Without VBA)

Another way to create loop behavior is using iterative calculations in Excel’s options. This approach works when you want Excel to recalculate a cell repeatedly based on its previous value.

Enabling Iterative Calculation

  1. Go to File > Options > Formulas
  2. Check Enable iterative calculation
  3. Set Maximum Iterations and Maximum Change

Example: Interest Until Threshold

Suppose you want to simulate compound interest until the balance reaches $2000.

AB
11000 (initial)
2=IF(A1<2000, A1*1.05, A1)
3=IF(A2<2000, A2*1.05, A2)

Each row simulates another loop iteration, increasing the value by 5%. Excel keeps recalculating each row until the value exceeds 2000.

Alternative: Using Helper Columns to Simulate a Loop

If you can’t use dynamic arrays, use helper columns.

Setup

A (Step)B (Value)C (Cumulative)
110=B1
215=C1+B2
320=C2+B3

In column D, mark where to stop:

=IF(C1>100, "Stop", "")

Use a filter or conditional formatting to highlight values until the stop condition is met.

Using FILTER to Return Loop Results

Combine FILTER and logical arrays for loop-like results.

Formula

=FILTER(A1:A10, SCAN(0, A1:A10, LAMBDA(a,b,a+b))<=100)

This shows all values until the cumulative total hits or exceeds 100, without writing VBA.

Advantages of Formula-Based Looping

  • No need for macros
  • Compatible with Excel Online and mobile
  • Works in dynamic array environments
  • Real-time updates with input changes

Limitations of Excel Formula Loops

LimitationDetails
PerformanceLarge datasets may slow down
ComplexityNested formulas can be hard to read
No true recursionExcel lacks true recursive support
Limited debuggingHard to troubleshoot formula logic

Best Practices

  • Use LET and LAMBDA to simplify formulas
  • Avoid nesting more than 3-4 functions deeply
  • Prefer SCAN and FILTER for iterative needs
  • Keep helper columns for readability when needed
  • Use named formulas for reusability

Summary

While Excel doesn’t support traditional loops without VBA, you can simulate loop until logic using array formulas and dynamic functions. By combining SCAN, SEQUENCE, IF, and MATCH, you can create formula-driven workflows that behave like loops.

This method is especially useful for non-programmers who need automated, dynamic calculations without writing code. With LAMBDA and LET, you can even build custom loop-like logic and keep your formulas clean and efficient.

FAQs

Can you create a loop in Excel without using VBA?

Yes, you can simulate loop-like behavior in Excel using functions like SCAN, SEQUENCE, LAMBDA, IF, and INDEX—no VBA or macros required.

What is the SCAN function used for in Excel?

The SCAN function in Excel accumulates values across an array, allowing you to build iterative logic such as cumulative sums.

How do I stop a formula loop when a condition is met?

You can use the MATCH function with a condition inside SCAN to determine when a loop should stop based on cumulative results.

What Excel version supports SCAN and LAMBDA?

Functions like SCAN and LAMBDA are available in Excel 365 and Excel for the web. They are not available in Excel 2019 or earlier versions.

Can I return a dynamic range of values using Excel formulas?

Yes, using SEQUENCE with INDEX and MATCH, you can return values dynamically based on logical conditions or thresholds.

Is it possible to create custom loop functions in Excel?

Yes, you can use LAMBDA and LET to create custom reusable logic that mimics loop functionality in a clean and efficient way.

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2 Comments

  1. Ms. Desai,
    I have been trying to use your looping formula:
    1. In cell A2, enter the following formula and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to make it an array formula:
    = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10}
    2. In cell A1 above, enter the looping formula:
    =IF(A2=10,10,INDEX(A$2:A$2,ROWS(INDIRECT(“”1:”&ROW()))))
    3. Fill the formula in A1 down until you see the sequence fully generated in column A.
    I have tried your looping formula many times, but consistently get a #REF! error. What am I doing wrong? Can you help me? I believe that I am entering it correctly by using Microsoft Office 365 with EXCEL 365. Is it a problem with arrays/dynamic arrays? I am not an expert EXCEL user, but I do use EXCEL continuously for many spreadsheet-type projects…successfully. I need a looping capability for a current project and discovered your looping formula in my Internet search…primarily because it does not require VBA and looked doable. (https://excelsamurai.com/excel-formula-loop-until-without-vba/)
    PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!

    1. Hi Jim,

      Thanks for reaching out and for trying out the looping formula technique!

      You’re absolutely right to be confused. The original method using =IF(A2=10,10,INDEX(A$2:A$2,ROWS(INDIRECT(“1:”&ROW())))) is not supported on Excel 365 and can result in a #REF! error, which supports dynamic arrays natively.

      I’ve since updated the blog post with a more modern, reliable approach using functions like SEQUENCE, SCAN, LAMBDA, and INDEX, which work perfectly without VBA.

      For example, instead of creating a loop manually, you can now use this kind of formula to return values until a condition is met:

      =INDEX(A1:A10, SEQUENCE(MATCH(TRUE, SCAN(0, A1:A10, LAMBDA(a,b,a+b))>100, 0)))

      This will return values from A1:A10 until the cumulative sum exceeds 100.

      Let me know if you’d like help adapting this technique to your specific project. I’d be happy to guide you!