Keeping Blank Cells Until Data Entered

**msf316** · 02-27-2009, 03:01 PM

Ok for the life of me i can't figure this out so i am hoping you guys can't help me out. I've searched and searched and couldn't find it. Ok i want to keep certain cells blank until data is entered. Most of this is math.

Here it goes:
In cell I4 the math problem should be (d4-h4)+(c4+g4) this will subtract from the main balance (I2) but i want I4 to remain blank until i insert data in the rest of the cells (d4,h4,c4,g4) and I4 should be the remaining balance. And then I5 will be the next balance after i enter data on the proper cells. How can i keep it blank until i enter data? and have it subtract from a balance?

Please take a look at the pic maybe that will help thanks!

**DonkeyOte** · 02-27-2009, 03:13 PM

Perhaps:

=IF(COUNT(C4:D4,G4:H4)<4,"",IF(ROWS(I$4:I4)=1,I2,I3)-(D4-H4)+(C4+G4))

**msf316** · 02-27-2009, 03:48 PM

I figured out a way!
this should work

=IF(AND(ISBLANK(C4),ISBLANK(D4),ISBLANK(G4),ISBLANK(H4)),"",I2-D4-H4+C4+G4)

**DonkeyOte** · 02-27-2009, 03:55 PM

It will work in row 4 yes, not row 5 though (without alteration).
The formula I gave you will work in all rows without need for alteration.

Also although I suspect it's not an issue in this instance note that ISBLANK will treat a formula Null as a non-blank .. I would say in my experience the COUNT approach is generally the better approach.