Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: Empty Cells Triggers Error.
Figure 1. The formulas area of the Excel Options dialog box.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (9575) applies to Microsoft Excel 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Excel here: Empty Cells Triggers Error.
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2017-02-08 11:02:57
Dave Bonin
Building off what Peter wrote, I use a similar technique with a few key differences.
My example would be:
= IF( COUNT( F19, H1 ) = 2, F19 / H1 * 100, "•" )
- Before attempting any calculation, I nearly always check to see if all of the operands are available.
- This method helps ensure the user never sees a divide by zero error as that almost always leaves the user wondering whether the spreadsheet is broken.
- I also add other qualifications as needed to trap potential errors, such as maybe checking H1 is not equal to zero.
- I use the dot "•" character often. It removes all ambiguity about whether a cell is empty or its formula evaluates to a blank. Much easier code maintenance.
- To go one step further, I often use formatting to make the dot a light gray so you can see it but it is not distracting. Conditional formatting works for this. Numeric formatting with a color code on the alpha portion works much more robustly.
- Lastly, as a point of style, I use spaces when writing formulas for readability. While it sounds like extra work, it actually quickly becomes natural -- just like we insert spaces between the words we write in sentences. Imean,wedon'tstringallthewordstogetherintoonelongstringoftext.
2017-02-08 08:20:41
Peter Ross
I have always handled this problem by a slight change to the formula.
For example:
If your original formula in was =F19/H1*100
it would become =IF(F19="","",F19/H1*100)
2014-06-05 14:18:41
Bryce
Sure, but turning off the Excel options doesn't travel with the spreadsheet.
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Excel 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Excel, click here: 
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