HOW TO: "If cell contains specific text then return specific text"

I'm trying to extract a bunch of specific text combinations from cells and present it in a new cell. This formula seems to work for two variables but I can't add any more variables too it. =IFERROR...

Formulas & Functions

Requests

SergeiBaklan

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.

vijaykumar shetye

Brass Contributor

Dear Reuben Helder,

You may also use the below formula for the task. I have retained the same cell references that have been used by Detlef Lewin in the solution that he has provided.
=INDEX($F$1:$F$6,SUM(COUNTIF($A1,"*"&$F$1:$F$6&"*")*ROW(F1:F6)))

The formula given by Detlef Lewin can be amended, so that Pi() and column G will not be required.
=LOOKUP(1,1/COUNTIF($A1,"*"&$F$1:$F$6&"*"),$F$1:$F$6)

Vijaykumar Shetye
Spreadsheet Excellence,
Panaji, Goa, India

Detlef_Lewin

Silver Contributor

May 13, 2017

Vijaykumar Shetye, my formula does not need amending.

And your change from PI() to 1 will possibly give wrong results.

vijaykumar shetye
Brass Contributor
May 14, 2017
Dear Detlef Lewin,
Thanks for the reply and the correction. What is the significance of using Pi() in the formula?

Viaykumar Shetye,
Spreadsheet Excellence,
Panaji, Goa, India
- Detlef_Lewin
  Silver Contributor
  May 14, 2017
  PI() itself is just a little gag. The lookup value has to be a number greater than 1. So 1.1 would be enough or 2 if you prefer whole numbers.

Forum Discussion

HOW TO: "If cell contains specific text then return specific text"

Share

Resources