Confused using the IF and COUNTIF functions (New to Functions)

I have used Excel for years, just simple stuff here and there. However, i cannot seem to correctly configure what i see as a simple conditional formula. If anyone can help that would be great.


I have a table that i need to compare two columns in the same row( B & C). If they match i need column E to present "PASS", If they do not match then "FAIL". however, i need the E column in that given row to remain blank if B and C are blank as well.

i am trying to use this:
=IF(COUNTIF(B2:B2,">0")*B2=C2,"Pass","Fail")

However, i obviously get an error, do i need to reverse the IF and COUNTIF functions? or am i using the completely wrong formula? Thanks in advance to anyone that doesn't give a link to another post with examples.

Try:

=IF(AND(B2="",C2=""),"",IF(COUNTIFS($B:$B,C2,$C:$C,B2)>0,"Pass","Fail"))

The above works if B and C are both Blank. If you want to check if either are blank then simply change AND to OR

Thanks for the rep, if you're issue has now been solved please be sure to mark this thread as solved.



Thanks again

Will do, i do have ONE more question. I get now the formula breakdown. However what would be the function or condition that Pass or Fail is only filled once both B & C are filled. I need E to remain empty if only either B and C are filled but the other is not. It has to do with E being connected to another data table.

As mentioned above (post 3) you need to change AND to OR

=IF(OR(B2="",C2=""),"",IF(COUNTIFS($B:$B,C2,$C:$C,B2)>0,"Pass","Fail"))

Wow, i did not see that part. My apologies, thank you very much sir. Thread solved.