Conditional Formulas in Spreadsheets: How to Use Different Calculations Based on Cell Values?

Other Questions Google Sheets
1

I’m working on a spreadsheet and need help with formulas. I want to use different calculations in one column based on the values in another column. Right now I’m using a long IF statement, but it’s hard to read and update. Here’s what I have:

=IF(B2="type1", A2*0.1, IF(B2="type2", A2*0.2, A2))

Is there a better way to do this? Maybe something where I can define the calculations separately and then just refer to them in the main formula? I know a bit of coding, but I’m looking for a solution that works directly in the spreadsheet.

I’d really appreciate any tips or best practices for handling this kind of situation. Thanks!

2

I’ve faced similar challenges with conditional calculations in spreadsheets. One approach that’s worked well for me is using a separate ‘lookup’ sheet for your calculation rules. You can create a table with your types and their corresponding multipliers, then use VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH to fetch the right multiplier.

For example, on a separate sheet:
A1: Type | B1: Multiplier
A2: type1 | B2: 0.1
A3: type2 | B2: 0.2

Then in your main sheet:
=A2 * VLOOKUP(B2, LookupSheet!A:B, 2, FALSE)

This method makes it much easier to add or modify rules without touching the main formula. It’s also more scalable and easier for others to understand and maintain. Just ensure your lookup table is comprehensive and kept up-to-date.

3

hey there! have u tried using vlookup or index/match?

you can build a small table with types and multipliers, then pull the right factor based on the type. its way cleaner than stacking ifs. hope this helps!

4

For your scenario, I’d recommend exploring the SWITCH function. It’s designed precisely for situations where you need to perform different calculations based on a specific value. Here’s how you could rewrite your formula:

=SWITCH(B2, “type1”, A20.1, “type2”, A20.2, A2)

This approach is more readable and easier to maintain, especially as you add more conditions. It’s also generally faster than nested IF statements.

If your spreadsheet application doesn’t support SWITCH, consider using a combination of CHOOSE and MATCH functions. This method allows for easy expansion and modification of your calculation types and values.

Remember to document your formulas well, especially if others might need to work with your spreadsheet in the future.