Macros in SPSS

When working on large or repeated analyses, you often write the same syntax again and again.

SPSS Macros allow you to define reusable blocks of syntax that can be called whenever needed.

Macros make your code shorter, cleaner, and easier to maintain.

Why Use Macros?

Macros are useful when:

• You repeat the same analysis many times
• You apply the same logic to different variables
• You want standardized outputs

They help reduce copy-paste errors and improve consistency.

What Is a Macro?

A macro is a named block of syntax that can accept parameters and execute predefined commands.

Think of a macro as:

• A function in programming
• A reusable template for analysis

Once defined, macros can be reused anywhere in your syntax file.

Basic Macro Structure

Macros are defined using:

• DEFINE
• !MACRO_NAME
• !ENDDEFINE

Parameters are passed using exclamation marks.

Simple Macro Example

This macro calculates descriptive statistics for any variable you specify.

DEFINE !DescStats (var=!TOKENS(1))
DESCRIPTIVES
  VARIABLES=!var
  /STATISTICS=MEAN STDDEV MIN MAX.
!ENDDEFINE.

To run the macro:

!DescStats Sales.

Using Macros with Multiple Variables

Macros can also be combined with loops for powerful automation.

DEFINE !MultiDesc (vars=!CMDEND)
DESCRIPTIVES
  VARIABLES=!vars
  /STATISTICS=MEAN STDDEV.
!ENDDEFINE.

This macro works for any number of variables.

Real-World Example

A company generates monthly performance reports for multiple departments.

Instead of rewriting syntax each month, a macro ensures:

• Same calculations every time
• Consistent output format
• Minimal manual effort

This improves accuracy and efficiency.

Best Practices for Macros

When creating macros:

• Use clear macro names
• Comment macro logic
• Test macros on sample data
• Store reusable macros centrally

Readable macros save time in the long run.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often:

• Forget exclamation marks
• Miss macro parameter syntax
• Overcomplicate macros too early

Start with simple macros before building complex ones.

Quiz 1

What is a macro?

Quiz 2

Which keyword defines a macro?

Quiz 3

Why are macros useful?

Quiz 4

Can macros accept parameters?

Quiz 5

Should macros be tested before reuse?

Mini Practice

Create a macro that computes descriptive statistics for any variable.

Run it on at least two different variables and compare outputs.

What’s Next

In the next lesson, you will learn about SPSS Modeler Overview, which introduces visual data mining tools.