Applies to: @RISK 7.x and Up

 

@RISK Models in Older Versions of Excel

 

Background:

Dynamic arrays are supported in the latest versions of Excel 365. 

• Dynamic array formulas can automatically populate or "spill" into neighboring blank cells and eliminate the need for legacy Ctrl+Shift+Enter (CSE) array formulas.

 

Using Older Versions of Excel

When opening a workbook that contains dynamic array formulas in an older version of Excel, they show as a legacy CSE formula.

• If new dynamic array functions are used, spill range references get prefixed with _xlfn to indicate that this functionality is not supported.
• A spill range ref sign (#) is replaced with the ANCHORARRAY function.

Most dynamic array formulas will keep displaying their results in legacy Excel until you make any changes to them.

• Editing a formula immediately breaks it and displays one or more #NAME? error values.

If you know you will be sharing dynamic array formula enabled workbooks with someone using non-dynamic aware Excel, it’s better to avoid using features that aren't available for them.

 

What about @RISK functions?

When you open a workbook containing @RISK functions in an older version of Excel, it is automatically converted to a conventional array formula enclosed in {curly braces}.

Excel 365 and @RISK compatibility

There are two scenarios depending on your @RISK version:

• @RISK 8 – The model runs without issues.

• @RISK 7.x and earlier – You will see an error message (see image below).

• 

Why this happens
In Excel 365, all formulas are treated as array formulas by default. Older @RISK versions are not fully compatible with this behavior.

Solution 1: Add the implicit intersection operator (@)
Edit each @RISK function and add @ at the beginning to force legacy (non-array) behavior. This can be done manually or with a VBA macro.

Solution 2: Use Swap-Out / Swap-In

1. In Excel 365, run @RISK → Swap-Out (skip reports).

2. Save a copy and open it in Excel with @RISK 7 or earlier.

3. If prompted, swap in the functions; otherwise, run Swap-Out in a blank workbook, then reopen your model.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete Swap-In.