Stopping Text from Adding to Zero

[danriske]

I have a spreadsheet set up with formulas set to return "n/a" when meeting certain criteria. However, when I do a sum of only "n/a"s, this results in a zero when I need to return another "n/a." The sum functions are performed on a large quantity of data with multiple sublevels so I use the subtotal function. Is there anyway to stop subtotals with only "n/a" from returning zeros without manually inputing a sumif for the numerous totals in my spreadsheet? I appreciate any help!

 

[NeonRedSharpie]

Try instead of returning "n/a", return either "#N/A" or na().

 

[danriske]

Those unfortunately did not work. It either still returned a zero or a "#N/A" error in the sum. Thanks though!

 

[NeonRedSharpie]

Those unfortunately did not work. It either still returned a zero or a "#N/A" error in the sum. Thanks though!

You said in your OP...

this results in a zero when I need to return another "n/a."

So...isn't that what you want?

 

[danriske]

Sorry, that was misleading. I have my formulas returning just the text "n/a" but the formula could be any text. Basically, I would like to know if there is a way to stop any group of cells containing text only from summing to zero, or returning an error. The resulting summed cell is still used in other calculations so if it returns an error, my spreadsheet will be off.

 

[NeonRedSharpie]

Sorry, that was misleading. I have my formulas returning just the text "n/a" but the formula could be any text. Basically, I would like to know if there is a way to stop any group of cells containing text only from summing to zero, or returning an error. The resulting summed cell is still used in other calculations so if it returns an error, my spreadsheet will be off.

So what do you want them to sum to if not 0?

 

[danriske]

Just nothing. So if it was able to return text, that would work.