Forum Discussion
Y2135
Sep 22, 2022Copper Contributor
Excel if have problem.
Hi everyone, please help me, I don't know why my if so weird, for example I type:
Cat =IF(A3>="Cat",1, IF(A3>="Dog",2, IF(A3>="Bird",3,4)))
Dog =IF(A4>="Cat",1, IF(A4>="Dog",2, IF(A4>="Bird",3,4)))
Bird =IF(A5>="Cat",1, IF(A5>="Dog",2, IF(A5>="Bird",3,4)))
But when I enter, it shows me like this:
Cat 1
Dog 1
Bird 3
So, what is this happening, if anyone knows what problem is, please tell me how to fix it, I'm here to thank you in advance.
5 Replies
- alannavarroIron ContributorBecause you are comparing strings. What excel is doing is sorting the strings like this:
1 Bird
2 Cat
3 Dog
So, in the second if, is comparing Dog > Cat that would be 3 > 2 that is True , so is returning 1.- sivakumarrjBrass Contributor
Your formula is correct only thing there is no need to add < or > as it requires only in Number as text does not have any value. So simply apply the same formula without < or >.
=IF(A3="Cat",1,IF(A3="Dog",2,IF(A3="Bird",3,4))) - alannavarroIron ContributorSorry, forgot to explain that is sorting the strings in alphabetic order.
- Y2135Copper ContributorOk, so how do I use if to type like this:
Cat 1
Dog 2
Bird 3