Formula Syntax - What it means?

[QTE]

Hi Excel Forum,

I believe the following formulas all find the MINIMUM value that is NO
= zero (<>0) and produce the same results. I am unsure of thei
syntax. Can you explain the syntax of the following formulas and th
differences between them:

=MIN(IF(A1:A20,A1:A20))

=MIN(IF(A1:A20<>0,A1:A20))

=MIN(IF(A1:A20<>0,A1:A20,""))

How does the first formula work and, if there is a zero 0 avoi
returning a zero 0 without mentioning NOT = zero <>0?

what are the quotation marks for and what do they do?

When would it be preferable to use one syntax rather than another?

What signifies or denotes an array formula?

Your assistance is appreciated.

Kind regards,
QT

 

[Bob Phillips]

The first one works by effectively checking if the value is zero or not
zero, as a Boolean test, and then returns the minimum of those that are
true (not zero).

The third just uses the value "" if it is a zero, and when the MIN test
looks at this, it ignores it.

If would use the middle formula, it is more obvious.

Array formulae are denoted by {formula } in the formula bar.
--

HTH

Bob Phillips
... looking out across Poole Harbour to the Purbecks
(remove nothere from the email address if mailing direct)

 

[QTE]

Hi Bob,

Thank you for explanation.

Kind regards,

QT