Expert: Frank Dziubak - 2/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Can we use two formulaes in one cell? if yes how? e.g. if I want to use (=BB20-BC20-BF20,=if BF>0,"Paid").

thanks and regards,

Sarfraz

ANSWER: Hi Sarfraz,

I think I see more or less what you are trying to do.

Let's assume that you have the following values in your cells:

BB20: 250
BC20: 25
BF20: 30

It looks like you want to put the result of BB20-BC20-BF20 together in the same cell with the word "PAID" (and perhaps "UNPAID" if the test is 0).

The process of joining two pieces of an answer together is called CONCATENATION.  You can do it using the "ampersand" sign (&).
Your formula will then look like this:

=(BB20-BC20-BF20)&IF(BF20>0," Paid"," Unpaid")

Please let me know if this is the result you were hoping to get, or whether you need to further clarify your question.  You can do so at FrankAtAllExperts@hotmail.com

-Frank

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Frank,
I would like to draw your attention towards a slight correction. Actually I want to get the result in the same cell where all the calculation are placed. I.e. the formula in cell BE20 which I want to use is like,

=(BB20-BC20-BF20)&IF(BE20>0," Paid"," Unpaid")

Answer
I believe I understand.

You want to evaluate the expression (BB20-BC20-BF20), and if the result is greater than 0, show "PAID", otherwise show "UNPAID".

Your formula would therefore be this:

=IF((BB20-BC20-BF20)>0,"PAID","UNPAID")

Again, please let me know if this gives the result you are looking for.  If it is satisfactory, please kindly grade the answer.

If it does not work, please write back.  You can also send a follow-up to FrankAtAllExperts@hotmail.com

-Frank