WTH is this N business Excel keeps putting into my formula? =IF(F4="","",((N(B4)*N(C4))+(D4*E4))/F4)

[SandsB]

I type it in as =IF(F4="","",((B4*C4))+(D4*E4))/F4) and the N gets put in automatically. I'm getting a #SPILL! error in another formula that uses the result of this one. I'm not really clear on what a #SPILL! error means but I'm hoping it's related to the formula change. I get the correct results with the altered formula. But what is it? If it matters, I originally created this file on OneDrive and then moved it to a shared drive.

 

[etaf]

you have a bracket possibly in the wrong place
=IF(F4="","",((B4*C4))+(D4*E4))/F4)
is it
=IF(F4="","",((B4*C4))+(D4*E4))/F4
OR
=IF(F4="","",((B4*C4)+(D4*E4))/F4)
i dont get an "N" which is

N function - Microsoft Support

Returns a value converted to a number.

support.microsoft.com

Whats in B4,C4,D4,E4 & F4

Spill error is a result from a formula that is trying to put the results into more than 1 column or more than 1 row and you have data in those columns or rows and so the formula cannot write into those cells

SMALL sample spreadsheet, around 10-20 rows, would help a lot here, with all sensitive data removed, and expected results mocked up and manually entered, with a few notes of explanation.

This will possibly enable a quicker and more accurate solution for you.

MrExcel has a tool called “XL2BB” that lets you post samples of your data and will allow us to copy/paste your sample data into our Excel spreadsheets, saving a lot of time.

XL2BB - Excel Range to BBCode

Excel 'mini-sheet' in messages - XL2BB Although experts prefer to read your description and question instead of working in your actual file to solve your problem, there are times that it is difficult to explain an issue without providing actual...

www.mrexcel.com

You can also test to see if it works ok, in the "Test Here" forum.

Test Here

Use this forum to test your signature, learn bbcode, smilies, XL2BB, etc. Threads in this forum are automatically deleted after no replies for seven (7) days

www.mrexcel.com

OR if you cannot get XL2BB to work, or have restrictions on your PC

then put the sample spreadsheet onto a share

I only tend to goto OneDrive, Dropbox or google docs , as I'm never certain of other random share sites and possible virus.
Please make sure you have a representative data sample and also that the data has been desensitised, remember this site is open to anyone with internet access to see - so any sensitive / personal data should be removed

Make sure you set any share or google to share to everyone