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Blank cell shows error on division.

  1. #1
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    Question Blank cell shows error on division.

    Cell B1 is driven by a list in Cell A1.

    If A1 has a word in it, B1 displays the appropriate number, if A1 is blank, B1 is as well.

    Cell B1's formula is as follows:
    =IF(ISBLANK(A1),"",VLOOKUP(AK7,raceTable,2,0))
    ------so far so good------

    Cell [BC1 [/B]is driven by cell B1. The purpose of C1 is to take the number in B1 and divide it by 5. If B1 is blank, then C1 should be blank as well.

    C1's current formula is:
    =IF(ISBLANK(B1),"",(B1/5))

    This works fine for dividing, but if B1 is blank, then C1 displays #Value instead of blank . I want it to display blank.
    ------on a further note------

    If I put in the following formula in C1:
    =IF(ISBLANK(B1),"",B1)
    Then I get a proper blank, so it seems to me that the division is what's causing the display error. I am curios as to why it occurs only when the formula is divided.

    An example file is attached.
    I appreciate any help.
    Attached Files Attached Files
    Last edited by Hatchiman; 09-28-2010 at 01:21 PM.

  2. #2
    Forum Expert pike's Avatar
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    Re: Blank cell shows error on division.

    Hi Hatchiman

    if BI20 displays ### increase the column width if possibly an error
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  3. #3
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    Re: Blank cell shows error on division.

    Hi Pike,

    Thank you for the reply. I increased the column, but this resulted in more ####.

    Any other ideas?

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    Re: Blank cell shows error on division.

    To best describe or illustrate your problem you would be better off attaching a dummy workbook, the workbook should contain the same structure and some dummy data of the same type as the type you have in your real workbook - so, if a cell contains numbers & letters in this format abc-123 then that should be reflected in the dummy workbook.

    If needed supply a before and after sheet in the workbook so the person helping you can see what you are trying to achieve.

    Doing this will ensure you get the result you need!
    Where there is a will there are many ways.

    If you are happy with the results, please add to the contributor's reputation by clicking the reputation icon (star icon) below left corner

    Please also mark the thread as Solved once it is solved. Check the FAQ's to see how.

  5. #5
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    Re: Blank cell shows error on division.

    Thanks for the advice NBVC. I've uploaded an example file and edited me post to fit.

    Pike, I did notice that when the row was wider, it gave a #value error rather than ##. Was that what you meant?

    Cheers

  6. #6
    Forum Expert martindwilson's Avatar
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    Re: Blank cell shows error on division.

    change c1 to
    =IF(B1="","",B1/5) this is because "" is not realy blank!
    "Unless otherwise stated all my comments are directed at OP"

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  7. #7
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    Re: Blank cell shows error on division.

    martindwilson, I smacked my forehead when I read your post.
    Obvious, yet brilliant.

    Thank you all for your help and advice.

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