Problem with the 'IF' function

[bobmcbob]

Hi,

I need help using the IF function. I want to use it to analyze cells which all have values of the form: LetterLetterNumberNumberNumberNumber, where the first letter is either Y or N, the second letter is always an M and the numbers are random. For example YM0001 or NM1249 or YM0342, you get the idea.

I want to use the IF function to return 'apple' if the first letter is Y and 'banana' if the first letter is N.

Do you know how I can do this with 'IF' or if there is another more suitable function?

Thanks,
Bob

[vlady]

Hello
Welcome to the forum...
How about

=IF(LEFT(A18,1)="Y","apple",IF(LEFT(A18,1)="N","banana","not available"))
or
=IF(LEFT(A18,1)="Y","apple","banana")

A18 is your number YM1234

[bobmcbob]

They both do the job well, and the first is even better for when the cell is blank. Thanks a lot for your rapid and helpful reply.