If/countif returns incorrect arguement

Jared Ross

So I'm using the following formula and getting errors.

=IF(COUNTIF([ID Dump]:[ID]), "CURRENT", "NEEDS")

Basically, I'm trying to get a return of CURRENT if any of the values in the "ID DUMP" column are in the "ID" column, and then a NEEDS if the number in the "ID DUMP" is missing.

I used the following formula in excel and it worked successfully.

=IF(COUNTIF(X:X,A:A),"CURRENT","NEEDS")

Paul Newcome

For the Status column you would need to either automate all of the options or leave all options manual entry. If there is a formula in a cell and then it gets manually changed then the formula will be erased. Selecting from a dropdown is the same in that regards as typing.

Andrée Starå

Wrote in wrong post 🤣

Paul Newcome

The easiest way to do this in Smartsheet would be to add in a helper column that will check a box on each row if the ID Dump column is found in the ID column.

In the checkbox column:

=CONTAINS([ID Dump]@row, ID:ID)

Then you can use your IF statement to evaluate the Helper column.

Jared Ross

I tried that, but the checkboxes are not reacting. Also tried to use the following formula for the checkboxes, but that didn't do anything either.

=IF(CONTAINS([ID Dump]@row, [ID]:[ID]), 1, 0)

Andrée Starå

Hi @Jared Ross

Strange!

That should work.

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@getdone.se)

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic day!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Paul Newcome

Are your ID's all numbers? If so, try a FIND function instead. CONTAINS can get a little weird when dealing with numerical values.

=IF(FIND([ID Dump]@row, [ID]:[ID]) > 0, 1, 0)

ABOVE SOLUTION DOES NOT WORK

Try this one...

=IF(COUNTIFS(ID:ID, [ID Dump]@row) > 0, 1)

Jared Ross

Paul, that one seems to have done the job. I've realized an overlooked issue though. Blank cells in the ID dump are coming up as checked. Any way to have the formula continue as before, but exclude blank cells?

Paul Newcome

Try this...

=IF(AND([ID Dump]@row <> "", COUNTIFS(ID:ID, [ID Dump]@row) > 0), 1)

Jared Ross

Just noticed switching the ID Dump and ID solved it.

Only other issue now is how would I reference the checkboxes as originally suggested? IE - if the checkbox is checked, I need my "status" column to automatically select "CURRENT" from the dropdown list.

Paul Newcome

For the Status column you would need to either automate all of the options or leave all options manual entry. If there is a formula in a cell and then it gets manually changed then the formula will be erased. Selecting from a dropdown is the same in that regards as typing.