Excel function explains: "If cell is not empty, then ...

This practical tip shows you what the Excel function "If cell is not empty, then ..." and how you can integrate it into your document.

Excel function "If cell is not empty" - this is how ISTLEER works

To find out whether a certain cell is described or empty, there is the function IS EMPTY.
The syntax of this function is quite simple. After the "=" and "ISTLEER" you have to put in brackets the cell you want to check. [see image]
Confirm with Enter and the command will be executed. Now the function outputs either the value "FALSE" if the cell contains text elements or "TRUE" if it is empty.

If you don't want "TRUE" and "FALSE" in this form in your document, that's no problem at all. If you combine ISTLEER with an IF function, you can have your own text elements output.
As is well known, the syntax of an IF function consists of 3 parts. "Check", "Then" and "Otherwise". Example in the picture: The check is = IF (IS EMPTY (C3). C3 is the line to be checked. 0 corresponds to "Then" and 1 corresponds to "Otherwise". If cell C3 is empty, the function returns 0 off, otherwise 1.
After a semicolon, you can type in the value that you want to have output if a cell is empty in "Then". In "Otherwise" you write the value that should appear if the corresponding cell is not empty.
Be careful that all parentheses are set correctly. Otherwise Excel cannot perform the function.
Confirm again with Enter to see the result.

The ISTLEER function is very practical. On the next page you will learn how all empty cells in a data record can count.