Try this (all on one line):

IF(ISBLANK(INDIRECT("'["&$A$3&" "
&$I$1&".xls]other'!"&ADDRESS(ROWS(A$1:A5),
COLUMNS($A1:D1)))),sheet1!D4,"")

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"Sam" wrote in message
...
hi bliff

no. the range is D5:U13 in the other workbook.

sam

"T. Valko" wrote:

How far do you want to copy it across? Will the last reference go beyond
column Z: other'!Z5 ?

--
Biff
Microsoft Excel MVP


"Sam" wrote in message
...
i am trying to use indirect to look up another workbook to see whether
or
not
the cell is blank and hence the ISBLANK. This formula works but i can
not
fill it across or down as this cell (D5) remains constant.

IF(ISBLANK(INDIRECT("'["&$A$3&" "&$I$1&".xls]other'!D5")),sheet1!D4,"")

any ideas?