Both teams battled hard for what could prove a vital point after an entertaining bottom of the table clash.
Macclesfield took the lead through Kyle Lightbourne's towering header midway through the first half.
But Exeter struck back with an equaliser from James Coppinger just after the hour mark.
Although both teams battled for a winner a draw was probably a fair result in a game with few clear cut chances, indeed the Silkmen took the lead with their first attempt on goal.
Barry McConnell was adjudged to have fouled Lee Hardy five yards in from the corner flag. Hardy floated the free-kick into the box and Lightbourne rose highest to nod the ball past Kevin Miller.
Just before the break Danny Whitaker tried his luck with a long-range shot for the visitors which flew high over the bar.
Exeter threw men forward after the break, but the Silkmen almost stretched the lead when Lightbourne's fine ball found David Eaton and his strike from 15 yards was well saved by the feet of Miller.
The Grecians were level in the 62nd minute when Scott Hiley's cross was headed against the bar by Steve Flack and Coppinger tapped the rebound into an empty net.
Both teams searched for a winner and Exeter looked the more likely to score, but Macclesfield dug in with some heroic defending to keep out the home side and deserved to hold out for a point.
Silkmen manager David Moss praised the performance of his injury-hit squad, commenting: "I would have taken a point before the game especially after the problems we have had and I was pleased with the performance.
"We did well in the first half but we weren't at out best after the break. We have played two games in three days and I think it showed because we looked tired at the end. But overall I can have few complaints."