Help on time calculations please

[gill.webster]

I've been asked to set up a spreadsheet where there are 3 columns for
possible "start" times, followed by one with a 2nd-stage time, which
then can calculate in the 5th column the difference between
whichever-start-time-applies (A, B or C) and the 2nd-stage time (D).
It's been suggested I use the IF function, but I can't get my grey head
around the phrasing that will be correct for

*If this column is empty ignore it and move on to check the next one,
but if not use this value and calculate the difference between it and
column D*

I'd be Ever So Grateful if one of you clever people could put me
right.......

Gill

 

[Anne Troy]

=if(and(isblank(a1),isblank(b1)),d1-c1,if(and(isblank(a1),isblank(c1)),d1-b1
,d1-a1)

There's probably a better way...but that's what I've got too early in the
morning.
*******************
~Anne Troy

www.OfficeArticles.com
www.MyExpertsOnline.com

 

[JE McGimpsey]

One way:

=D1-IF(A1="",IF(B1="",C1,B1),A1)

 

[gill.webster]

You obviously work well in the mornings!
I got that to work and am dleighted that I can now supply the
spreadsheet, functioning very well. Thanks a million!

 

[Sandy Mann]

Just for fun:

=(D1-SUM(A1:C1))*(COUNT(A1:C1)=1)