problems with if function

N

novice

I would like c1 to display b1/a1 if a1 and b1 not empty but would like c1 to
remain empty if nothing in a1 and b1

the following works but only if there is a value in a1 and b1.
=IF(AND(A1="", B1=""),"", B1/A1)

if a1 and b1 empty c1 shows hashkey value!

what am I doing wrong
 
R

Roger Govier

Hi

It sounds as though you have a space character in A1 or B1 or Both.
Do you have a formula in them which is set to return a Null if false?
If so, this formula may be incorrect. For example in A1
=IF(D5=50,5,"") may have been wrongly entered as =IF(D5=50,5," ")

You could amend your formula to
=IF(COUNT(A1:B1)<2,"",B1/A1)
which will work whether there are spaces or nulls in A1 and B1
 
D

driller

"I would like c1 to display b1/a1"

=IF(AND(A1="",B1=""),"", B1/A1)

when b1=3, a1=5

1. do you want to literally display as "3/5" or
2. do you want to display the result value as 0.6. or

when b1 is blank, a1=5 (vice versa)
3. do you want to literally display as "/5" or
2. do you want to display the result as blank"".

this counter question is for philosophical understanding of your need.
 
R

Roger Govier

Hi

That will never work.
The count is being used to ensure that there are numeric values in A1
and B1.
If there are, Count will be 2 and the calculation B1/A1 will work.
If the count is less than 2, then either or both cells do not contain
numeric values, and the cell will show a null.
Use the formula exactly as I posted.
=IF(COUNT(A1:B1)<2,"",B1/A1)
 
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