Excel - IF Function Problem - Expert Solution

Question description:
This user has given permission to use the problem statement for this blog.

I need Column D to = Column C - Column A only if Column B has a 'Date' entered.
Solved by I. B. in 11 mins
This is the chat thread from the real Excelchat help session. It contains no private user information.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:00
Hello, I understand that you want column D value to be A-C but only if column B has a date, right?
User 05/09/2018 - 04:01
Yes please, i will just write an example
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:01
Yes, an example would help.
User 05/09/2018 - 04:01
Like this
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:02
Okay, so instead of B, we are looking at C for a date?
User 05/09/2018 - 04:02
Yes that's right
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:02
One problem with your data is that the value in column B is not a valid number.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:02
The £ in there forces the value to be a text instead so we can't calculate.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:03
The value in column B should just be 100 and then formatted to display the currency.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:03
Otherwise, the formula will be unnecessarily complicated.
User 05/09/2018 - 04:03
Oh ok I can leave it as a number then, that won't be an issue
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:03
Thank you. Next, what's the expected value if there's a date in the Paid Date.
User 05/09/2018 - 04:04
That would then be 0, and without a Paid Date I'd like it to be 100
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:05
In other words, if there's a date, the Outstanding will always be 0?
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:05
So no real need to subtract Fee from Total, just 0 would be fine? That's because your Total is linked directly to your Fee so it will always be 0, right?
User 05/09/2018 - 04:05
In this example yes, but the spreadsheet I'm developing will have multiple fees per row, I'll just show this quickly
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:06
Ah, since you linked D to B, that threw me off.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:06
If there's not a date in column C, what would the value of Outstanding be?
User 05/09/2018 - 04:07
So if C had a date but E did not it would show 200
User 05/09/2018 - 04:07
If they both had dates it would then be 0
User 05/09/2018 - 04:07
And if neither did it would be 300
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:07
Okay, I got it. Before we proceed, this is a reminder that our policy is 1 question per session so for this session we'll be resolving this particular question.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:07
Please give me a few minutes.
User 05/09/2018 - 04:07
No problem, thanks
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:08
Try it please.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:08
I used an IF() function to determine if a date is in C and E.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:09
Will column C and E only have dates?
User 05/09/2018 - 04:09
Ah brilliant, I was doing SUMIF and couldn;t get it
User 05/09/2018 - 04:10
Yes they will
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:10
Alright then we don't really have to check for a date, we can just check if the paid date column is empty.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:10
Would there be anything else that I can help you with regards to the original question?
User 05/09/2018 - 04:11
Ok perfect, no that was everything thank you
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:11
Alright, if you have no other questions regarding the original concern, I'd appreciate a 5-star rating and your feedback if you think I deserve it.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:11
I'll be giving you high ratings as well so the other experts will know that you are a good client and should be taken care of.
Excelchat Expert 05/09/2018 - 04:11
Please do not forget to click the End Session button otherwise I'll be stuck here until the timer expires and be unable to help others. Thank you.
User 05/09/2018 - 04:11
Thanks again, bye

This is the output file from the real Excelchat help session:
This is an example of the expert help you can get. It contains no private user information.

Get instant expert help with Excel and Google Sheets

Post your problem and you’ll get expert help in seconds.

Your message must be at least 40 characters
Your privacy is guaranteed. Your session will not be used for blog unless you give us persmission.

Click here to get your free Excelchat help session

Subscribe to Excelchat.co
Trusted by people who work at
Amazon.com, Inc
Facebook, Inc
Accenture PLC
Siemens AG
Macy's
The Allstate Corporation
United Parcel Service
Dell Inc