Circulatory Reference - checking if ISBLANK

Joyce Woram

I need to check if a cell is blank and if it is blank I need to populate it with data from another cell.

When I say 

=IF(ISBLANK([current cell]1), today())

It references it's own cell.

Any suggestions?

Shaine Greenwood

Hi Joyce,

As you've found, there isn't a way for a formula to reference its own cell, this leads to a circular reference and logic issues with the formula. 

Can you provide more information on why you need a function to see if its own cell is blank and return the current date?

Brano

Hi, I have same question. If cell is blank I would like the cell becomes blue and would like it becomes populated with expression "Low - by default" . Thank you. Why circular reference is in place? This condition also exist in excel with no issues. Thank you

Andrée Starå

Hi Brano,

Great idea! That would be a great addition to Smartsheet features.

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment.

A possible workaround could be to use a third-party service like Zapier to change it automatically and then conditional formatting to change the color.

Would that work?

Hope that helps!

Have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD