Finding column number difference (not value difference)

[Pipan]

Hi

I would like to get the numeric value for the difference between two columns of a row. I am NOT interested in the difference of the values. I was wondering if there is a function(s) that I can use.

For example, the difference between columns of A1 and C1 is 2. or A2 and E2 is 4.

Thank you.

[AliGW]

Yes. Try this:

=COLUMN(E2)-COLUMN(A2)

or this:

=COLUMNS(A2:E2)-1

[Sam Capricci]

when you say you are not interested in the difference of value, then you mention that the difference between A1 and C1 is 2, isn't that a numeric difference or a value difference?
A simple formula like =A1-C1 would return a numeric difference, and add ABS to it if you want the difference to always be a positive number like =ABS(A1-C1)
But what makes the formula know that next it should look in A2 and E2 instead of A2 and C2 (if that was dragged down)?
Are there other values in, say B1 or B2, C2 and D2 that should be ignored?

[Pipan]

Ali,

You answered my question perfectly. Thank you.

[Pipan]

Sambo.

Thanks for your reply. Ali's response was what I was looking for.

[Sam Capricci]

Oh, duh, now I see what Pipan was looking for after thinking about what Ali gave you. So obviously post #3 has no relevance. Duh!

[AliGW]

If that takes care of your original question, please select Thread Tools from the menu link above and mark this thread as SOLVED. Thanks.