how can an empty cell equate to non-plot point rather than zero?

[tomj]

if(cell="","",cellvalue)

Here, if logic determines that a cell is empty, the cell will be empty but
the plot will show zero for the cell.

if(cell="",na(),cellvalue)
Here, if logic determines an empty cell the cell will be shown as #n/a, but
the point will be a non-plot.

How can one statement cause an empty cell but show as non-plot?

 

[Shane Devenshire]

Hi,

The answer is because Microsoft programmed it that way.

 

[Jon Peltier]

Shane thought you were wondering "Why?" for which his answer is accurate.

If you were wondering how to make the cell look empty but plot like it
contains #N/A, you have to keep the #N/A in the cell, and use conditional
formatting to hide it.

However, this is a kludge, and it is worse if you need to make some
calculation based on the cell. In this case you should set aside multiple
data ranges, all linked to the original. For the chart source data range,
show the #N/As. For the display range, show "". For the calculation
intermediary, use whatever provides proper calculated values.

- Jon