Problem with spreadsheet formula

Question

Problem with spreadsheet formula

J Andrews 0

I have the following formula which does not do all I want it to: =IF(E6>0,E6-F6+G5,"")

The problem occurs when G5 is empty, the row 7 will not calculate. If I change "" to 0, then a string of zeros are in G as far as the formula is pasted. I wish to be rid of them without needing to pull the formula down every time. How is that accomplished.

In other words, nothing is in F7, so I want G8 to be empty.

I hope this explains everything. I am new to this.

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5 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

J Andrews 0

Thanks for your input. I have very little knowledge of spreadsheets.

My sheet has E column as expenses, F as payments, G as balance.

The formula I posted works in part, for when G is left blank (no 0), then the next row will not calculate. If I change "" to 0 in the formula, then I end up with zeros in column G. That works, but I don't like seeing them, and i do not wish to hide and unhide everytime i make a calculation.

DaveM121 910.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-30T13:55:12.2933333+00:00

If you do not want 0's in column G, try this formula.

=IF(IF(E6>0,E6-F6+G5,0)=0, "",IF(E6>0,E6-F6+G5,""))
J Andrews 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T15:05:03.42+00:00

Unfortunately, it is doing what the original formual does. Since there is no zero in column G when I enter a payment and it is paid in full, there is no zero in the balance column (G8 for example) and the next expense (E8) does not calculate in the balance column (G8), but gives a #VALUE! error

Answer 2

DaveM121 910.2K Independent Advisor

Your formula is formatted correctly, there is no problem indicated.

1

Select the cells E6, F6 and G5, then right click them and choose Format Cells.

Ensure the cells are formatted as a number format.

2

Also, you mention cells F7 and G8, those cells are not listed in your formula, what cell is that formula entered into.

DaveM121 910.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-30T15:14:12.6833333+00:00

If you are performing a running calculation in Excel, then there must be a zero in that cell for the next calculation to work correctly.
DaveM121 910.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-30T15:51:04.2433333+00:00

If there is no private information in your spreadsheet, are you able to upload your Excel file to OneDrive or some other cloud service and provide a share link here, so I can examine your spreadsheet.
J Andrews 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T15:57:18.35+00:00

Thanks. I have a brother that can fix this, if it is fixable, when gets back into his office. He knows spreadsheets inside and out. I do thank you for the offer.
DaveM121 910.2K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-07-30T15:59:44.79+00:00

Okay, glad to help!

Answer 3

J Andrews 0

Thank you for you quick reply. Unfortunately, the formula does not calculate column G, which is need to keep a running total.

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Answer 4

Senthil kumar 1,725

Hi @J Andrews

=IF(E6>0, E6 - F6 + IF(LEN(G5)=0, 0, G5), "")

Try this above formula. and give your feedback.

Thanks.

J Andrews 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T13:20:56.2966667+00:00

Thank you for your quick reply. The formula is not calculating G column, which is wish to keep a running total.
Senthil kumar 1,725 Reputation points

2026-07-30T14:47:26.3666667+00:00

can you please give any example i will try to produce and solve.
J Andrews 0 Reputation points

2026-07-30T15:46:51.4733333+00:00

Expense (E7) Payment (F8) Balance 0 (G8)

The problem i have is that my posted formula leaves (G8) empty. Therefore the next row will not calculate.

G8 needs a zero in it, but I don't want the balance, whether 0 or 100 running down the G column as deep as iI have the formulas. Since i do not know spreadsheets well at all, this may be a Gordian Knot.

I hope that clarifies things as to what I am looking for.

Answer 5

J Andrews 0

Didn't see that you wanted to know where the formula is. It is in column G

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