formula to copy value of any value in given row

[HeyInKy]

I have 4 columns, B through E. I already have programming in place that for the first 3 columns, ($B:$D), only 1 of the 3 cells will contain a value and the other 2 cells will be blank (there is no possibility of a value in more than 1 of the cells in the first 3 columns of any given row). I need a formula in column E to copy the value that is in the same row, regardless if it is in column B, C, or column D.

Also, it is possible that all 3 of the first 3 columns may not contain a value (all 3 blank), which in that case, I may decide that the column E value for that row may need to contain an value to be decided later as I develop the spreadsheet.

I could probably do a highly nested IF statement... but maybe there's something simpler?

[FDibbins]

If they are values, maybe...
=max(B2:D2)
or even =SUM(B2:D2)

if none have a value, maybe...
=if(count(B2:D2)=0,"your comment",max(B2:D2))

[HeyInKy]

Hmmm.... as I copy the formula down column E (about 30 rows), all of those rows will be numeric EXCEPT the first row, which will be either numeric or a text value, depending on which column it is in. So I think I'm on the right track with your help, but will need to experiment with it a bit. Further suggestions are welcome while I do, of course

[ChemistB]

In E2
=IF(COUNT(B2:D2)>0,INDEX(B2:D2,MATCH(9^99, B2:D2)),"")

The issue comes with this statement

Also, it is possible that all 3 of the first 3 columns may not contain a value (all 3 blank), which in that case, I may decide that the column E value for that row may need to contain an value to be decided later as I develop the spreadsheet.

Are you going to modify the formula at that time? If you input data into that cell, the formula will be gone.

[HeyInKy]

It's a little messy, but I'm thinking I could do something like E1=B1, IF...B1 ISBLANK, then E1=C1, IF C1 ISBLANK, then E1=D1, IF D1 ISBLANK, then "[my comment]"

...but need some help with the syntax! Does that look doable?

[FDibbins]

You have been offered a working solution, why not use that?

[ChemistB]

I think it doesn't work for him because sometimes he has text. Is that correct?

=IF(B1<>"", B1,IF(C1<>"",C1, IF(D1<>"", D1, "Comment")))

[HeyInKy]

Yes... @FDibbins would work except for the 1st row. Which is a deal breaker... I need the text. Sorry.

@ChemistB is correct... I'll try that code now...

[HeyInKy]

@ChemistB... perfect!

Much obliged, sir!

[FDibbins]

Yes, I know mine didnt work because of the text, I meant ChemistB's suggestion

Glad you got it resolved though

[HeyInKy]

Oh, ok... thanks. I actually didn't see his post:

In E2
=IF(COUNT(B2:D2)>0,INDEX(B2:D2,MATCH(9^99, B2:D2)),"")

until after my other post! But I got it! Thanks!