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.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
Want to find out exactly what version of Excel you are using? Here's how to get to the info.
Discover MoreWhat is a list of data, and how do you create one? Here are some guidelines you may find helpful.
Discover MoreIf you like to use the mouse in your worksheet navigation efforts, you'll want to pay attention to this tip. Here you ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
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.
Got a version of Excel that uses the ribbon interface (Excel 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the menu interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
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: 
Comments