Error in function

[Powellexcel]

=IF(C139(SEARCH(Open,C139)), (NOW(B139*24)), CELL("contents", C4))

Can anybody suggest why this contains an error, or where it is?

 

[RoryA]

What is this supposed to mean:
C139(SEARCH(Open,C139))

 

[Powellexcel]

I have a date in column A1 which is the start of a task.

In column B1 I have and option 2 phrases, stating whether the task is 'open' or 'closed', obviously there is only one of those phrases that goes into column B.

In column C I want to have the time that the task took to complete displayed in hours if the case is open in column B. If the case becomes closed in column B, then the time will stop to be whatever time that is was currently at, and for it to stop continuing the hours count.

I currently have this formula, can someone help develop this situation for me please
=IF(C139(SEARCH(Open,C139)), (NOW(B139*24), (Value if false)

 

[FDibbins]

IF statement contains 3 parts...

1. condition to test for
2. what to do if test is TRUE
3. else what to do if test is FALSE

What exactly are you trying to do here?

 

[Powellexcel]

I have a date in column A1 which is the start of a task.

In column B1 I have and option 2 phrases, stating whether the task is 'open' or 'closed', obviously there is only one of those phrases that goes into column B.

In column C I want to have the time that the task took to complete displayed in hours if the case is open in column B. If the case becomes closed in column B, then the time will stop to be whatever time that is was currently at, and for it to stop continuing the hours count.

 

[FDibbins]

OK maybe this?

=if(C139="Open",TODAY()-A139,"")

 

[Powellexcel]

Is there a way to convert that to display the hours the task has been open though?
And when it =closed, how to I stop the function from counting up?

 

[Powellexcel]

solved it I think ...... =IF(B5="open", NOW()-A5,CELL("contents",C5))

 

[FDibbins]

oops missed that you wanted hours

 

[FDibbins]

Why use CELL("contents",C5)?

you could just reference that cell?