Finding the oldest unworked date...

I am trying to find a way to get a formula(s) to return the oldest date out of a data range. To explain further...

Suppose I have two columns. A and B.

Column A is either going to be blank or filled in with text. Something like "worked" or "delayed". A limited number of words.

Column B is a list of dates. To expand further, column B would be the date a given task expires and my employees are trying to complete tasks prior to this date. The spreadsheet would begin with a long list of dates in Column B and then users would begin to enter text in column A as they complete tasks. Obviously this is a simplified version.

What I am seeking is a formula that would look only at the dates that do not have a corresponding entry in column A and return the oldest date. Just finding the oldest date is no good because it is likely already worked. And yes, I am aware that I can just filter to look this up, but that date needs to be entered elsewhere into a process my team is attempting to automate.

Is there a way to do this? To find the oldest unworked date? Without pulling it into Access?

As always, thank you for taking the time to read and assist.

Hi there,

Here's an alternative method which uses a helper column (C) in which the following formula is used and copied downwards:

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The oldest worked date is the oldest date in column (C).


Hope this helps,

Regards,

Greg M