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Ctross's avatar
Ctross
Copper Contributor
May 02, 2026

Help with turning categorical variable to numerical

Hello, I have a statistical coding assignment and one of my tasks is to turn a bunch of different numerical variables into categorical. I have to use a logical function and it works perfectly when I use eg. =IFS(A1=1, "Curly", B1=1, "Curly" ect...). However I have a few rows in my data set where there is no data for these cells and I need to have it in my formula where 'if A1:I1="", "" so that way I don't have #N/A. I know I could use find and replace and stuff but I have to have it in my formula to keep the cells blank when there's no data to output- if that makes sense. Any help would be appreciated!! 

 

excel
Excel on Mac
Formulas and Functions

2 Replies

  • Olufemi7's avatar
    Olufemi7
    Steel Contributor
    May 04, 2026

    HelloCtross​,

    Use an IF wrapper to return blank when the entire row has no data and simplify the logic with OR

    =IF(COUNTA(A1:I1)=0,"",IF(OR(A1=1,B1=1,C1=1),"Curly",""))

    This keeps the cell blank when A1:I1 is empty and avoids #N/A while returning Curly when any condition is met