Excel 2003 CELL function

[mojave1]

Hi To All,

Can someone provide an example of when or how to use the following excel formula/function:

CELL(info_type,reference)

I have read the excel help explanation, yet I am not clear as to its applicaton....

Regards,
Marty

[RetiredGeek]

Marty, The cell function returns information about the referenced cell so that you can make decisions using that information.

[mojave1]

Marty, The cell function returns information about the referenced cell so that you can make decisions using that information.

Hi RG,

so in the example, A1 Format reveals ,2 or two decimal places shown, 1 protect, the cell is locked and width the column width is 13.....for example what or where would such a function be useful?

Thank you for your assistance!!!

Regards,
Marty

[RetiredGeek]

Marty, I really can't say as I personally have never needed it. It's one of those functions that if you've never needed it you can't fathom why they put it in there but then again if you need the data it provides you probably couldn't believe MS wouldn't have included it. It's one of those things you keep tucked in the back of your mind for the day it may come in handy. Think of it as an Insurance Policy of sorts...you hope you never need it but are glad you have it when you finally do!

[mojave1]

Hi RG,

my sentiments exactly.....it came up as a result of assessing whether I should use excel or word for a customer survey.....seems I have too much time on my hands!!! By the way I noticed that you are fluent in VBA, how long did it take for you to achieve fluency??

Thanks again....

Marty

[RetiredGeek]

Marty,

Well I'm not sure about fluent but I can get around pretty well. I've been working with VBA {entirely self taught} since the mid-90's. I've done several major projects using Office (Excel & Access) & VBA (a great combination for productivity IMHO). I read a lot of books also, (you can search here for previous recommendations) and let's not forget the wonderful help I've recieved right here in the lounge from the REAL EXPERTS!

[mojave1]

RG,

excellent!!! you took the bait, so as I trudge through the VBA learning curve I will expect with great certainty your continuous and wise help!!!!

Have a great weekend...

Marty

[RetiredGeek]

Marty,

That's why the Lounge is here!

[duthiet]

Marty:

Concerning CELL, According to the Microsoft "Excel 5 Worksheet Function Referenece" book, "The CELL function is provided for compatibility with other spreadsheet programs".
It goes on to say. "If you need to use cell information in a macro, GET.CELL provides a broader set of attributes."


Many use the CELL functioin for the "filename" info type. This can be most helpful in any type of doucmentation area a user maintains as part of the Workbook.

Of course we all document our workbooks?

f you do a search of the Spreadsheet Forum there are some very good standard Excel workbooks, including one that I posted.

Happy computiing

Tom D

[fburg]

Marty,

I've used the GET.CELL function based on advice I got here (so that's 2 plugs: one for CELL and one for the Lounge).

Although I don't have the workbook here, the use had to do with counting the number of plus signs in a cell's formula: I have one cell where I have a sum of numbers and I wanted to know how many numbers were being added for use in another cell. You couldn't use any of the String functions because the cell was not treated as a string. If you need more details, let me know and I'll respond when I have the workbook.

That being said, it's the only use of CELL I ever made. Obviously I didn't know about it for the above, so I used the advice from the Lounge. Maybe I would have used it more had I known about it but I haven't used it since. But remember, Excel has lots of features but most people only use a few.

As to your survey, I would strongly suggest Excel over Word - at least for tabulating the results. Not sure if you meant that or the survey that would be sent to the people.

Fred