reference a blank cell

[Guest]

When I reference a blank cell, the result is "0" but I want the result to be
blank as well. Is this a formatting issue?

Example: A1 is blank
my formula for cell C1 is =A1, which results in 0 (I want it to be blank)

eventually, when I fill in A1, I want C1 to show the same result. I just
dont want a bunch of zeros all over my sheet!

 

[Guest]

You have a couple of options

Use a formula such as

=IF(A1="","",A1)

the result will not be a true blank, but nothing will show in the cell. So
long as the cell has a formula, it will never be truly 'blank.'

Next option:
Under Tools->Options->View uncheck Zero Values. This affects the entire
workbook, though, and isn't really advisable

Third Option
Format the CELL so that it doesn't show zero values
Format->Cells..->Number->Custom
& use something like
#,##0_);(#,##0);

 

[PCLIVE]

=IF(A1=,"","",A1)

 

[PCLIVE]

Oops!

Stray comma. Correct formula.

=IF(A1="","",A1)