Counting Consecutive Blanks

DushiPunda

Well-known Member
Joined
Nov 14, 2015
Messages
509
Hello,
I'm looking for a way to count the number of times TWO consecutive blanks cells occur on my spreadsheet (work schedule) here is an example of the intended output:

B​
C​
D​
E​
F​
G​
H​
I​
..​
AD​
AE​
AF​
AK​
1​
1​
2​
3​
4​
5​
6​
7​
8​
..​
29​
30​
31​
# 2 Days​
2​
24​
24​
24​
24​
..​
24​
24​
4​
3​
24​
24​
24​
..​
24​
2​
4​
24​
24​
24​
..​
24​
1​

The data I need to look at exists in columns B:AF; currently I have a bunch of hidden helper cells using the following formulas:

Starting with:
Excel Formula:
=IF(COUNTIF(B6:E6,24)>=2,1,0)
Ending with:
Excel Formula:
=IF(COUNTIF(AC6:AC6,24)>=2,1,0)

Basically looking at consecutive 4 day chunks from the schedule.

The issue: If there are any ONE day breaks, these are counted as 2 TWO day breaks, whereas they should be counted as 1 TWO day break. Below is a copy of the above example with the outputs that I'm currently getting.



BCDEFGHI..ADAEAF
AK​
112345678..293031
# 2 Days​
224242424..2424
8​
3242424..24
2​
4242424..24
1​



I tried to solve this by using an imbedded IF to look at the next helper cell's 4 day reference and came up with this (not really sure how this logic works, but it's checked out in my testing):

Starting with:
Excel Formula:
=IF(AND(COUNTIF(B6:E6,24)>=2,COUNTIF(C6:F6,24)>=2),0,IF(AND(COUNTIF(B6:E6,24)>=2,COUNTIF(C6:F6,24)<>2),1,0))
Ending with:
Excel Formula:
=IF(AND(COUNTIF(AC6:AF6,24)>=2,COUNTIF(AD6:AG6,24)>=2),0,IF(AND(COUNTIF(AC6:AF6,24)>=2,COUNTIF(AD6:AG6,24)<>2),1,0))

This has largely solved my issues, but gets a little janky if there is a one day break at the end of the month.

Surely there is an easier way to do this? Thanks!
 
Last edited:

Excel Facts

Convert text numbers to real numbers
Select a column containing text numbers. Press Alt+D E F to quickly convert text to numbers. Faster than "Convert to Number"
Your examples and descriptions don't match up very clearly, see if this helps.
Excel Formula:
=SUM(--(FREQUENCY(IF($B2:$AF2="",$B$1:$AF$1),IF($B2:$AF2<>"",$B$1:$AF$1))=2))
Note that if you are using excel 2019 (or older) then you will need to array confirm the formula with Ctrl Shift Enter.
 
Upvote 0
I suggest that you update your Account details (or click your user name at the top right of the forum) so helpers always know what Excel version(s) & platform(s) you are using as the best solution often varies by version. (Don’t forget to scroll down & ‘Save’)
 
Upvote 0

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