G,

Nesting functions (like these IF's) gets messy. A more manageable way is to
use a VLOOKUP to find the result you want. Set up a table somewhere like
this:

Alpha | =H2*SQRT(J2/F2)
Beta | =H2*SQRT(J2/999)
Alpha Infinite Depth | etc.
Beta Infinite Depth |

Now in the original cell (where you want the result, use:

=VLOOKUP(A24, Table, 2, FALSE)

Table is a reference to the table. It might look like A100:B103. Or it
could be a named range. Like "Table." It could be in some hidden rows or
column, or even on another sheet. Untested.
--
Earl Kiosterud
www.smokeylake.com/
-------------------------------------------

"G_Chem" wrote in
message ...

excel 97

Hi,

I am using the value returned from a drop down list to control which
formula is used to return a value in a cell.

There are 4 options on the list: Alpha, Beta, Alpha Infinite Depth and
Beta Infinite Depth.

Here is how I'm trying to compose the argument:

=IF(A24="Alpha",H2*SQRT(J2/F2),IF(A24="Beta",H2*SQRT(J2/999)),
IF(A24="Alpha Infinite Depth",H2*SQRT(J2/H2), IF(A24="Beta Infinite
Depth",H2*SQRT(J2/H2))))

this returns the "too many arguments" error message

*DUH! * You say, as you can only compose 3 at a time.

Well thats what I don't quite understand, even after reading as much of
the excel help, Microsoft Knowledge base and rooting around various
threads/tutorials.

I can't get my head round how to arrange it.

this works:
=IF(A24="Alpha",H2*SQRT(J2/F2),IF(A24="Beta",H2*SQRT(J2/999)))

this doesn't :
=IF(A24="Alpha",H2*SQRT(J2/F2),IF(A24="Beta",H2*SQRT(J2/999)),
IF(A24="Alpha Infinite Depth",H2*SQRT(J2/H2)))


Can you explain it like you would to a 4 year old? :)

here it is laid out:

=IF(A24="Alpha",H2*SQRT(J2/F2)
IF(A24="Beta",H2*SQRT(J2/999))
IF(A24="Alpha Infinite Depth",H2*SQRT(J2/H2),
IF(A24="Beta Infinite Depth",H2*SQRT(J2/H2))))

thanks for any help, the logic of this escapes me.


--
G_Chem
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G_Chem's Profile:
http://www.excelforum.com/member.php...o&userid=24366
View this thread: http://www.excelforum.com/showthread...hreadid=381215