10 VBA Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Microsoft MVP Jordan Goldmeier and Excel experts recommend these VBA Books to boost your automation and programming skills.

Updated on June 23, 2025
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What if you could cut hours of tedious Excel work down to minutes? VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, offers that power—but only if you know where to start. Despite decades of evolution, many still overlook VBA’s potential to automate tasks, streamline reporting, and customize workflows. The right books can transform your approach from fumbling with macros to crafting elegant automation solutions.

Microsoft MVP Jordan Goldmeier, known for helping thousands unlock Excel’s power, highlights practical resources like "101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros" for those starting out. Experts like Bill Jelen, Michael Alexander, and Dick Kusleika have shaped VBA learning with books that span beginner to advanced levels, each offering clear examples from real-world experience.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific background, skill level, and goals might consider creating a personalized VBA book that builds on these insights, ensuring the learning fits your unique needs and pace.

Best for beginners seeking practical macros
Jordan Goldmeier, a Microsoft MVP recognized for his Excel expertise, found this book invaluable during his early VBA projects. After exploring numerous macro guides, he highlights how "This book was really well written with macros you could begin using immediately. If you're just getting start with building macros in VBA, this book will help you create productive macros in no time." The straightforward, ready-to-use approach helped him move from theory to practical application fast, making it a reliable resource for anyone looking to automate Excel tasks effectively.

Recommended by Jordan Goldmeier

Microsoft MVP and Excel expert

This book was really well written with macros you could begin using immediately. If you're just getting start with building macros in VBA, this book will help you create productive macros in no time.

101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros (101 Excel Series) book cover

by John Michaloudis, Bryan Hong··You?

2022·361 pages·Office Automation, VBA, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Excel Macros

When John Michaloudis discovered how much time professionals waste on repetitive Excel tasks, he compiled 101 ready-to-use macros to streamline those workflows. This book delivers practical VBA code snippets you can copy directly into your workbooks, covering everything from chart automation to advanced worksheet management. You learn specific macro applications like pivot table manipulation and automated emailing, all supported by clear screenshots and downloadable practice files. If you want to reduce tedious manual work and gain hands-on VBA skills quickly, this book is tailored for beginner to intermediate Excel users aiming to boost productivity without getting lost in complex coding theory.

Microsoft MVP Award 2020
Author of multiple #1 Amazon Excel books
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Best for business pros mastering automation
Bill Jelen, an Excel MVP and host of MrExcel.com, has been immersed in spreadsheets since 1985 and authored 65 Excel books. His extensive background as a financial analyst and prolific content creator uniquely positions him to guide you through mastering Excel VBA and macros. This book reflects his deep expertise and passion for helping users automate Excel tasks and work smarter, not harder.
Microsoft Excel VBA and Macros (Office 2021 and Microsoft 365) (Business Skills) book cover

by Bill Jelen, Tracy Syrstad··You?

2022·636 pages·Microsoft Excel, VBA, Microsoft Office, Macro Automation, PivotTables

Unlike most VBA books that skim the surface, this one dives into automating nearly any Excel task with precision and depth. Bill Jelen and Tracy Syrstad leverage decades of real-world experience to teach you not just to write macros, but to harness Excel's full automation potential—covering everything from PivotTables and UserForms to integrating external data sources and creating Office Add-ins. You’ll find detailed examples and 50 workbooks that make complex concepts tangible, including how to work with new LAMBDA functions and TypeScript for Excel Online. This book suits anyone ready to transform routine Excel work into streamlined, powerful processes, especially business and financial professionals.

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Best for custom VBA fundamentals
This personalized AI book about VBA fundamentals is created after you share your programming background, skill level, and the specific VBA topics you want to master. You also tell us your goals, and the book is written to focus precisely on the skills and techniques you need. Because VBA use cases vary widely, having a tailored guide helps you skip irrelevant concepts and concentrate on what will make the biggest difference in your daily work and projects.
2025·50-300 pages·VBA, VBA Basics, Macro Creation, Automation Techniques, Debugging Methods

This personalized VBA book provides a tailored approach to mastering fundamental VBA programming concepts, focusing on frameworks that suit your specific goals and experience level. It addresses essential elements such as macro creation, debugging, and automation strategies customized to your work context, cutting through generic advice to deliver actionable insights relevant to your projects. The book offers targeted explanations of VBA syntax, event handling, and user form design, ensuring you build a solid foundation adapted to your unique learning path. By concentrating on practical applications aligned with your objectives, this tailored framework enhances your ability to develop efficient, maintainable VBA solutions that fit your professional environment.

Tailored Framework
Contextual Programming
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for VBA newcomers wanting clear guidance
Dick Kusleika has over 25 years' experience helping Office users maximize Microsoft Excel. His extensive background delivering advice through forums, blogs, and conferences uniquely positions him to demystify VBA programming. This book arose from his mission to make Excel automation accessible to users of all skill levels, offering straightforward guidance that turns complex concepts into practical know-how. Kusleika's expertise ensures you can confidently explore VBA’s capabilities and enhance your Excel experience.
2022·432 pages·VBA, Microsoft Excel, Automation, Error Handling, Custom Functions

What if everything you thought about automating Excel was just the tip of the iceberg? Dick Kusleika, with over 25 years of experience guiding Microsoft Office users, reveals how VBA transforms Excel from a mere spreadsheet tool into a customizable powerhouse. You'll gain practical skills like creating your own worksheet functions, handling errors, and automating repetitive tasks, even if you're new to programming. The book walks you through essential VBA concepts with clear examples, such as writing custom functions and debugging code, making it accessible for beginners yet still useful for seasoned users. If you want to unlock Excel’s full potential without drowning in jargon, this book fits the bill perfectly.

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Best for intermediate users advancing skills
Michael Alexander is a Microsoft Certified Application Developer with extensive experience authoring books on Microsoft Access and Excel. Alongside Dick Kusleika, who has helped Office users for over fifteen years, they offer detailed insight into Excel 2016 VBA programming. Their combined expertise ensures this book tackles complex topics with authority, making it a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their Excel automation skills.
Excel 2016 Power Programming with VBA (Mr. Spreadsheet's Bookshelf) book cover

by Michael Alexander, Richard Kusleika··You?

2016·768 pages·VBA, Microsoft Excel, Programming, Automation, Office Integration

Michael Alexander, a Microsoft Certified Application Developer, teams up with Dick Kusleika, a veteran Microsoft Office expert, to deliver a thorough guide to Excel 2016 VBA programming. You’ll gain a deep understanding of Excel’s interface and learn to create sophisticated VBA applications, from automating tasks to enhancing collaboration with other Office programs. Chapters cover practical topics like file formats, interactive controls, and the Power Utility Pak, offering you concrete tools to boost your efficiency. This book suits intermediate to advanced users eager to elevate their Excel programming beyond basic macros.

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Best for Excel users deepening VBA knowledge
Michael Alexander is a Microsoft Certified Application Developer (MCAD) and author with over 16 years consulting experience in Office solutions. Named a Microsoft MVP for his Excel community contributions, he brings deep expertise to this guide. His background motivated him to write a book that demystifies VBA programming for Excel users, helping you unlock new automation possibilities and tailor Excel to your exact needs.
2018·416 pages·VBA, Microsoft Excel, Programming, Automation, Error Handling

When Michael Alexander first realized how underused VBA could be for everyday Excel users, he set out to create a guide that bridges the gap between curiosity and capability. This book walks you through the essentials of VBA programming, from mastering the Visual Basic Editor to customizing dialog boxes and error handling, all tailored to Excel 2019. You'll learn practical ways to automate repetitive tasks, control program flow, and develop tools that fit your unique workflow. If you're eager to deepen your Excel skills without getting lost in jargon, this book offers clear pathways to programming confidence and productivity.

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Best for 30-day automation plans
This AI-created book on VBA automation is crafted based on your Excel experience and your specific goals for mastering automation. You share which VBA topics and automation challenges you want to focus on, and the book is created to guide you through a clear 30-day plan that fits exactly what you need. Personalizing your learning path makes mastering Excel automation more efficient and directly applicable to your daily workflows.
2025·50-300 pages·VBA, VBA Fundamentals, Excel Automation, Macro Development, Error Handling

This personalized book delivers a step-by-step 30-day plan focused on mastering VBA for Excel automation, crafted to fit your current skill level and goals. It provides a clear progression from foundational VBA concepts to advanced automation techniques, emphasizing practical application in real-world Excel workflows. The tailored approach cuts through generic advice by honing in on the most relevant automation strategies that accelerate your ability to build efficient macros and custom solutions. Readers gain actionable insights on task automation, error handling, and workflow optimization, ensuring a personalized framework that aligns precisely with your Excel usage and power-user aspirations.

Tailored Blueprint
Excel Automation Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for advanced users leveraging Excel 2019
Michael Alexander is a Microsoft Certified Application Developer and author of several books on Microsoft Access and Excel. Alongside Dick Kusleika, who brings over twenty-five years of experience supporting Microsoft Office users through forums, blogs, and conferences, they offer a deep well of expertise. Their combined background shapes this guide aimed at helping you unlock Excel 2019’s VBA potential to improve your programming and build powerful spreadsheet applications.
Excel 2019 Power Programming with VBA book cover

by Michael Alexander, Dick Kusleika··You?

2019·784 pages·Microsoft Excel 2019, VBA, Microsoft Excel, Excel Automation, Office Integration

Michael Alexander, a Microsoft Certified Application Developer, and Dick Kusleika, with over twenty-five years’ experience supporting Microsoft Office users, combine deep expertise in this detailed guide. You’ll learn how to harness Excel 2019’s VBA capabilities to automate tasks, build custom functions, and enhance interactivity with other Office apps. The book thoroughly covers topics like the Excel interface, file formats, and collaboration tools, providing practical examples and templates to solidify your skills. This resource is ideal if you're an intermediate to advanced Excel user aiming to elevate your programming proficiency and create sophisticated spreadsheet solutions.

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Best for Office 365 users automating workflows
Richard Mansfield is a widely recognized programming expert and prolific author with over 44 books and half a million copies sold. Former editor of Compute! magazine, Mansfield brings unmatched experience to this edition, updating VBA techniques for the evolving Office 365 environment. His deep understanding ensures you get both foundational knowledge and insights into new developments, making this a definitive resource for mastering VBA in the current Microsoft Office landscape.
2019·944 pages·VBA, Microsoft Office, Automation, Excel Macros, Word Programming

When Richard Mansfield first realized how rapidly Microsoft Office 365 was evolving, he set out to help users navigate its complexities with VBA programming. Drawing from decades of programming expertise and authoring over 44 books, Mansfield offers a thorough exploration of VBA across the entire Office suite, not just one application. You’ll learn to automate tasks in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint through practical projects, mastering recording macros, loops, dialog boxes, and adapting to recent API and UI changes. This book suits those who want both a refresher and advanced techniques to customize Office 365 beyond standard usage.

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Best for professionals using Office 2010 VBA
Richard Mansfield is the author or coauthor of more than 40 computer books and a former editor of Compute! magazine. His extensive experience with programming and technical writing, combined with his deep knowledge of Visual Basic and Office automation, uniquely qualifies him to guide you through mastering VBA for Office 2010. Drawing from decades of expertise, Mansfield offers a resource that bridges the gap between beginner-friendly explanations and advanced VBA applications, making this book valuable for both novices and experienced developers looking to expand their skills.
Mastering VBA for Office 2010 book cover

by Richard Mansfield··You?

984 pages·Office Automation, VBA, Macro Programming, Excel Automation, Word Scripting

When Richard Mansfield first realized the depth of customization possible with Microsoft Office through VBA, he set out to create a guide that serves both newcomers and seasoned developers. You’ll find detailed tutorials on recording macros, leveraging loops and functions, and integrating dialog boxes across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. Mansfield draws on practical examples to help you automate tasks and tailor Office applications to specific business needs, making complex scripting approachable. This book suits IT professionals aiming to enhance productivity and anyone eager to harness VBA’s capabilities beyond basic automation.

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Best for learners wanting stepwise VBA approach
Mike McGrath, a seasoned software developer with extensive international experience, now enjoying life on the shores of the Aegean Sea, wrote this book to share his deep knowledge of VBA programming. His background contracting for companies worldwide gives him unique insight into practical programming challenges. This book leverages his expertise to help you master VBA for Excel, making complex tasks manageable and boosting your efficiency with the popular spreadsheet tool.
Excel VBA in easy steps book cover

by Mike McGrath··You?

2019·192 pages·Microsoft Excel, VBA, Macro Programming, Data Forms, User Forms

Excel VBA in easy steps introduces you to the essential skills of automating tasks in Microsoft Excel using VBA macros. Mike McGrath draws on his global experience as a software developer to guide you through recording and editing macros, coding with VBA language, and responding to worksheet events. The book covers creating DataForms and UserForms for data handling and dynamic chart display, helping you share polished Excel applications. Whether you’re new to macros or upgrading to Excel 2019 or Office 365, this book offers structured lessons to get more out of Excel without overwhelming you.

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Best for serious Excel programmers seeking depth
John Walkenbach, author of many Excel books and known as "Mr. Spreadsheet," retired from Excel in 2019 and now lives in Tucson, Arizona. His extensive expertise in Excel programming drove him to write this detailed guide, which offers an in-depth introduction to VBA tailored specifically for Excel 2010 users. Walkenbach’s personal experience and clear explanations make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their Excel skills through programming.
1052 pages·VBA, Microsoft Excel, Software Development, Programming, Automation

When John Walkenbach first realized how many Excel users struggle to harness VBA's full potential, he set out to demystify programming within the spreadsheet environment. This book teaches you everything from the basics of Visual Basic for Applications to advanced techniques for building complex Excel applications, with detailed chapters on automating tasks, creating custom functions, and managing Excel objects efficiently. You'll find concrete examples like how to handle error trapping and optimize code performance, making it ideal if you want to deepen your Excel skills or develop powerful tools tailored to your workflows. If you rely heavily on Excel and want to leverage VBA for custom solutions, this book will serve your needs well, though beginners should be prepared for its thorough and detailed approach.

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Conclusion

Across these 10 VBA books, a few themes stand out: begin with practical macros to build confidence, then deepen your knowledge with books that explore automation across Excel versions and Office suites. If you’re new to VBA, start with approachable guides like "Excel VBA Programming For Dummies" editions. For rapid implementation, combine "101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros" with "Microsoft Excel VBA and Macros" to quickly apply automation in your workflows.

For those aiming to master the latest Office 365 environment or Excel 2019, the books by Richard Mansfield and Michael Alexander provide up-to-date techniques that align with current software features. Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized VBA book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.

Unlocking VBA’s potential requires guidance and practice—these carefully chosen books offer both. Dive in, tailor your learning path, and watch your Excel skills transform into powerful automation expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which VBA book should I start with?

Start with "101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros". It offers ready-made macros you can use immediately, helping beginners gain hands-on experience without getting lost in theory.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to VBA?

Not at all. Titles like "Excel VBA Programming For Dummies" guide newcomers step-by-step, while others cater to intermediate and advanced users, so you can progress at your own pace.

What's the best order to read these VBA books?

Begin with practical macro guides to build confidence, then move to books covering deeper programming concepts and Office integration, such as those by Michael Alexander and Richard Mansfield.

Can I skip around or do I need to read these VBA books cover to cover?

You can skip around based on your goals. For example, if you want quick automation tips, focus on macro collections; for deep programming, explore comprehensive guides selectively.

Which VBA books offer the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"101 Ready To Use Microsoft Excel Macros" and "Microsoft Excel VBA and Macros" provide practical examples and templates ideal for immediate application in your Excel projects.

How can I get VBA learning tailored to my specific needs and skill level?

While expert books cover broad topics, personalized VBA books can target your unique goals and experience. You can create your own tailored VBA book here to complement what you learn from these experts.

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