IFEMPTY

Value if it is not an empty string, otherwise a fallback value

Formula definition
Download 
=IF(value="",value_if_empty,value)

Source: Benny Blue

Function details

This function is an equivalent to IFNA or IFERROR, but for blank arguments. It returns the first argument if it isn't blank or an empty string, and otherwise returns the second argument. If there's a chance that an input cell or partial formula will be undesirably empty or blank, use this function to provide a fallback value in that case. For example, if A2 is blank then =IFEMPTY(A2,0) returns "0", and if A2 contains "Hello" then =IFEMPTY(A2,0) returns "Hello". Just like IFNA or IFERROR provide the convenience of only needing to reference an argument once instead of pairing IF with ISNA or ISERROR, IFEMPTY offers that same convenience compared to using IF with an empty-string comparison.

Use the inputs below to create IFEMPTY as a reusable custom function in Google Sheets.

Learn how to add custom functions to Google Sheets
Function name

IFEMPTY

Function description

Value if it is not an empty string, otherwise a fallback value

Formula definition

=IF(value="",value_if_empty,value)

Argument placeholder

value

Argument placeholder

value_if_empty

Argument details

Argument description (value)

The value to return if it, itself, is not blank/an empty string

Argument example (value)

A2

Argument description (value_if_empty)

The value the function returns if value is blank/an empty string

Argument example (value_if_empty)

0

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What is a named function in Google Sheets?

Named functions enable the creation of custom, reusable formulas that mimic built-in functions, streamlining calculations and data manipulations. These functions simplify complex formulas, making spreadsheets more readable and less prone to errors. By encapsulating intricate logic within a single function call, they enhance consistency across your data. Utilizing named functions reduces the need to write lengthy formulas repeatedly, thereby improving workflow efficiency and productivity in data analysis and management.

How to add custom functions to Google Sheets

Quick & dirty method

Download and import — fastest way to add the function but does not include argument descriptions and examples

Follow these simple steps to download and import a function into your spreadsheet. This method is the quickest and easiest way to add the named function to your Google Sheets document, but will not include the argument description and examples.

  1. 1
    Download the formula: Click on the download button next to the function to download a file with the formula.
  2. 2
    Open Google Sheets: Open your Google Sheets document, from the top menu select Data > Named functions. Click Import function.
  3. 3
    Import the function: Select Upload and select the file you downloaded with the function. Click Import all or select which function(s) to import and click Import.

Once added, the function will be ready to use in your document like any other built-in function. Simply type the function name and provide the required inputs to use it in your calculations.

Manual & detailed method

Copy and paste — copy and paste each property one at a time

Follow these simple steps to integrate a custom named function into your spreadsheet:

  1. 1
    Open Google Sheets: Open your Google Sheets document, from the top menu select Data > Named functions. Click Add new function.
  2. 2
    Enter the function details: For each input copy and paste the information for the function.
    • Copy the name of the function to the Function name input.
    • Copy the description of the function to the Function description input.
    • Copy each placeholder one at a time into the Argument placeholders input, if there are any placeholders.
    • Copy the formula of the function to the Formula definition input.
    Click Next.
  3. 3
    Add additional details: Optionally you can add a description and example for the placeholders.
  4. 4
    Save the function: Click Create to add the function to your document.

Once added, the function will be ready to use in your document like any other built-in function. Simply type the function name and provide the required inputs to use it in your calculations.

Tips

  • If you import a named function that has the same name as a named function that already exists in your active file, the imported one will override the existing named function.
  • If the named function that you selected to import depends on another named function, like formula definition, Google Sheets will warn you about that dependency and highlight the dependent functions.
  • If the named function that you selected to import uses a formula that interacts with an external source, like IMAGE, Google Sheets will warn you about that interaction.