Is There a FUNCTION formula? (Turns a string of text into a formula)

greg.arnson87966

I am trying to create a formula that copies the content of a cell from a precedessor row.  Ive tried using this formula:

="=[Column Name]" + PredecessorsX

which gives me the text value (=[Column Name]N) which is the formula I want in the cell but its not the formula itself.

Any suggestions?

sean59916

Greg,

Not in the way that you describe it. If you can expand or provide a screenshot of what you are trying to achieve we may be able to look at this further.

 

Sean

Andrée Starå

Hi Greg,

As far as I know, it's not possible to create a working formula with a formula.

As a possible workaround, you could use the find/replace function. Just make sure that what you want to replace is unique. I've used this method many times when creating client solutions and I've needed to update something that's in multiple places.

Another possible solution could be to use a third-party solution like Zapier or the Smartsheet API.

Would any of those options work?

Have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant @ Get Done Consulting

greg.arnson87966

I have painstakenly manually copied predecessor cells using the "=" function as a workaround.  However, the problem with this manual approach is 1) human error entering so many "=" formulas, and 2) if predecessors get updated or changed, the copied predessor cell is outdated/incorrect. 

Any other ideas on how to create =[Column Name]N where N = the predecessor number for that row?

 

greg.arnson87966

Andree - Thanks for the suggestion but Find and replace wont work since it needs to be a formula that can dynamically update the content if the predecessor changes. Im not familiar with Smartsheet API but will look into it.

Andrée Starå

Happy to help!

I'll get back to you if I come to think about something else.

Best,

Andrée

greg.arnson87966

HI Sean,

See the attached screenshot.  In the gray columns the formulas are as follows:

Black =[Transmittal Accepted?]190

Red  =[Transmittal Info to Send]187

Blue  =[Transmittal Ready?]187

I'd love for "187" to be pulled dynamically from the Predecessor cell rather than hard-coded.

I'd love for "190" to be pulled dynamically as well but not sure how.

Any ideas?