Forum Discussion
HOW TO: "If cell contains specific text then return specific text"
- May 14, 2017
I'm sorry but i see no limitations which could prevent to use nested IF. The only point it is a bit less flexible compare to nested If equivalents.
But what to use depends on goals, in some cases quick hardcording works quite fine.
If use formatting nested if becomes much more clear and editable. Like this
=IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("Sales", B3,1)),"Sales",
IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("Arch", B3,1)),"Architecture",
IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("Land", B3,1)),"Land",
IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("All", B3,1)),"All",
IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("Contracts", B3,1)),"Contracts",
IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH("Construction", B3,1)),"Construction",
"No Match"
))))))
If instead of hardcoded strings use references nested IF becomes more flexible. And if add some extra references (nested if) for future strings to find it becomes even more flexible.
=IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$1,B3,1)),$G$1, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$2,B3,1)),$G$2, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$3,B3,1)),$G$3, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$4,B3,1)),$G$4, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$5,B3,1)),$G$5, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$6,B3,1)),$G$6, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$7,B3,1)),$G$7, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$8,B3,1)),$G$8, IF(ISNUMBER(SEARCH($F$9,B3,1)),$G$9, "No Match" )))))))))
I don't vote for nested IF, i would like to say where is no limitations here. What to use that's concrete person choice.
Ah, a classic one.
Key words in column F, returned text in column G, text to check in A1.
=LOOKUP(PI(),1/COUNTIF(A1,"*"&$F$1:$F$6&"*"),$G$1:$G$6)
Hi was googling for a solution to the subject of above thread and found and used your solution,
[Key words in column F, returned text in column G, text to check in A1.
=LOOKUP(PI(),1/COUNTIF(A1,"*"&$F$1:$F$6&"*"),$G$1:$G$6) ]with 1 problem; the keyword found doesn't display.
using Excel 2010
would appreciate any help
thanks!
- Detlef_LewinMay 27, 2020Silver Contributor