Trying to evaluate a range for a value in random positions

Jared Grigg

I've been trying for a few days to stitch a formula together with multiple tools but I'm coming up short.

I have a form that leverages logic so that a specific option-set value selected, produces a sub-set of options. Thus, for each value in the option set, there is a corresponding sub-set that only displays when that specific value is selected. A sub option can then be selected.

So far so good. I love this form feature.

So now, I have a range of sub-option fields that will provide additional info for that record. Since only ONE field in that range will have a value, I was hoping to hide those columns and instead identify the one with content and return that value into a summary field.

FOR EXAMPLE; if I had a table like the attached (below) example, I need a formula I can put in column A (the summary field mentioned above) that returns the NUMBER in the first two positions of the cell that is not blank in the range B:F

I can insert the following formula; =VALUE(LEFT([B]@row, 2))

in A1 and it returns 11 which is great, however, column B is not always the field with the relevant value. Each record will only have ONE value in ONE of the fields of that range depending on the original option selected in the form.

BTW, =VALUE(LEFT([B]@row:[F]@row, 2)) returns an error. I've tried to inject other Functions in various combinations but have had no luck.

I'm hoping I can evaluate the range, identify where the value is, then extract only the numerical value.

I'm wondering if I have to build a more complex formula that looks at each cell in the range separately, then somehow identify which one to run a value conversion on? Or some other concatenation?

I would appreciate any suggestion!! THANKS

Mike TV

@Jared Grigg

This should work. Example sheet:

A column formula:

=IF(NOT(ISBLANK(B@row)), VALUE(LEFT(B@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(C@row)), VALUE(LEFT(C@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(D@row)), VALUE(LEFT(D@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(E@row)), VALUE(LEFT(E@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(F@row)), VALUE(LEFT(F@row, 2)), "")))))

Andrée Starå

Hi @Jared Grigg

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Mike's excellent advice/answer.

Here's another option.

=LEFT(JOIN(B@row:F@row, ""), 2)

Did that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it Insightful/Vote Up or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Mike TV

@Jared Grigg

This should work. Example sheet:

A column formula:

=IF(NOT(ISBLANK(B@row)), VALUE(LEFT(B@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(C@row)), VALUE(LEFT(C@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(D@row)), VALUE(LEFT(D@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(E@row)), VALUE(LEFT(E@row, 2)), IF(NOT(ISBLANK(F@row)), VALUE(LEFT(F@row, 2)), "")))))

Andrée Starå

Hi @Jared Grigg

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to Mike's excellent advice/answer.

Here's another option.

=LEFT(JOIN(B@row:F@row, ""), 2)

Did that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please support the Community by marking it Insightful/Vote Up or/and as the accepted answer. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Jared Grigg

@Andrée Starå & @Mike TV ,

THANK YOU!!

Both solutions worked perfectly! Mike, I was in the same mindset and trying in vain to get my syntax ordered and was "close but not quite". So, thanks for getting me across the finish line.

Andrée, your solution was simply ELEGANT and amazingly simple. I am thrilled that the function exists to make it happen and even more thrilled that your skillset knew to leverage it. It solved my immediate need and it made me better in the process.

GO COMMUNITY!

Thanks again!!😀

Andrée Starå

@Jared Grigg

Excellent!

Happy to help!