How do I modify a 24-hour helper formula to include non-numerical values?

Margaret Griffin

I have a column with AM/PM times set up as a single select drop-down list. In order to make this column sortable, I created a helper column that converts the AM/PM times to 24 hour times. The formula in the helper column is as follows:

=VALUE(IF(VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) <> 12, VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) + IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12), IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12, 0)) + MID([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) + 1, 2))

This formula works great, but the AM/PM drop-down list also has an option for 'No Preference.' Currently, if this option is selected, the helper column shows #INVALID VALUE. How can I modify the formula so the helper column will show 'No Preference' rather than #INVALID VALUE?

Bassam Khalil

Hi @mgriffin

please try the following.

=IFERROR(VALUE(IF(VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) <> 12, VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) + IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12), IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12, 0)) + MID([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) + 1, 2)),"No Preference")

Andrée Starå

Hi @mgriffin

I hope you're well and safe!

Try something like this.

=IF([Requested upload time]@row = "No Preference", [Requested upload time]@row, VALUE(IF(VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) <> 12, VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) + IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12), IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12, 0)) + MID([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) + 1, 2)))

Did that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Margaret Griffin

@Andrée Starå , I couldn't get your formula to work. It still returns an #INVALID VALUE response.

@Bassam Khalil , your formula works perfectly. Thank you!

But now I have another wrinkle. My team also wants to add 'CHALLENGE' as a drop-down value. The way Bassam's formula is written, I believe it's returning 'No Preference' when the cell being referenced has no numerical value. Is there a way to modify this formula to incorporate another non-numerical response?

Thanks again to you both.

Andrée Starå

@mgriffin

Happy to help!

I'd be happy to take a quick look.

Can you maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s)? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@workbold.com)

Margaret Griffin

Hi @Andrée Starå I just shared a test sheet with you. https://app.smartsheet.com/sheets/HH3VM2qc3hHpfRCXFv76g622G5F9QRpC67qfMcc1

This sheet only includes the original column and the helper column. The formula currently in use on the helper column is:

=IF([Requested upload time]@row = "no preference", [Requested upload time]@row, VALUE(IF(VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) <> 12, VALUE(LEFT([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) - 1)) + IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12), IF(CONTAINS("p", [Requested upload time]@row), 12, 0)) + MID([Requested upload time]@row, FIND(":", [Requested upload time]@row) + 1, 2)))

It works for all numerical values and one non-numerical value. Hopefully you can help modify it to work for all numerical values and two non-numerical values. Thanks again!