Hi BradHaberman

Please try the following function: Enter the following code in a standard
module. And then in a cell, use the function as follows:
=myArea(A1:A18,B1:B18)

this is assuming that:
1. Your values are in cells A1:A18, and directions are in cells B1:B18
2. You represent the directions as u, d, r, l (for up, down, right, left)


'------------------------------
Function myArea(myValues As Range, myDirections As Range)

If myValues.Cells.Count < myDirections.Cells.Count Then
MsgBox "The 2 ranges you entered are not equal"
End If

n = myValues.Cells.Count

ReDim v(1 To n)
ReDim d(1 To n)

For i = 1 To n
v(i) = myValues(i)
d(i) = myDirections(i)

If d(i) = "d" Or d(i) = "l" Then
v(i) = -v(i)
End If
Next i

If Application.WorksheetFunction.Sum(v) < 0 Then
MsgBox "The area does not close" & " " &
Application.WorksheetFunction.Sum(v)
End If

h = 0
a = 0
For j = 1 To n
If d(j) = "u" Or d(j) = "d" Then
h = h + v(j)
End If

If d(j) = "r" Or d(j) = "l" Then
a = a + (h * v(j))
End If
Next j

myArea = a

End Function

'------------------------------



Regards

Mangesh




"BradHaberman" wrote in message
...

I'm new to this type of thing (posting messages). I'm trying to create a
formula(s) that will give me the area of a home with many exterior
sides. The worksheet will allow for the direction of the wall; up,
down, left or right, and the length of each wall.

The shape I am using goes something like this: Up 3, Right 1, Up 2,
Right 2, Up 1, Right 2, Down 2, Right 2, Down 4, Left 2, Up 1 , Left 1,
Up 1, Left 1, Down 1, Left 1, Down 1, and Left 2.

I know it is a complex shape, but all angles are right angles, so it
shouldn't be impossible, not that anything is impossible. Common sense
says just to do it my head and write it down, but the program is for my
neighbor, and I want to make it as simple as possible.

Thanks Brad


--
BradHaberman