WPS Spreadsheets: Display X When Another Cell Contains a Value
Question details
The user needs a formula that displays X when a source cell contains a value and leaves the result blank when the source cell is empty.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A worksheet uses column C as the source and column E as the target, with the formula entered in E10 and copied down.
- Observed behavior
- The target cell should show X for text, numbers, or other values in the source cell, while returning an empty string when the source cell is blank or contains a formula that returns an empty string.
Confirm the source column and target column, and make sure the target cells are not protected or already filled with data. In this example, the source is C10 and the formula starts in E10.
Use an IF formula to display X for nonblank source cells
Use this solution when the target should show X only when the corresponding source cell contains a value.
The formula checks whether C10 is equal to an empty string. It returns a blank result when the source is empty and displays X for text, numbers, or other values.
Because the formula also treats a formula result of an empty string as blank, it can be copied down a worksheet and used with filtering more effectively than manually entered markers.
Open the worksheet in WPS Spreadsheets and click cell E10, or select the first target cell where X should appear.
Type =IF(C10="","","X") in the formula bar or directly in E10, then press Enter.
Select E10, use the fill handle at the lower-right corner of the cell, and drag it down the target range in column E.
Enter or review values in column C. The corresponding cells in column E display X when the source contains a value and remain visually blank when the source is empty.
Create a value-based X marker with WPS Spreadsheets
WPS Spreadsheets lets you enter the IF formula, fill it through a target range, and review or filter the resulting markers in a familiar spreadsheet interface. It supports Excel-compatible formulas and workflows for easy file sharing.
- 1. Open a spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, choose Spreadsheets, and open the workbook containing the source and target columns.
- 2. Select the target cell: Click the first target cell, such as E10, where the marker should appear.
- 3. Enter the formula: Type =IF(C10="","","X") in the formula bar and press Enter.
- 4. Fill the target range: Drag the fill handle from the formula cell down the required rows to apply the relative cell references.
Frequently Asked Questions
What formula displays X when another cell is not blank?
In WPS Spreadsheets, enter =IF(C10="","","X") in the target cell. Replace C10 with the corresponding source cell for your worksheet.
Will the formula work when the source cell contains a number or text?
Yes. The formula displays X when the source cell contains text, a number, or another value. It returns an empty string when the source is blank.
How do I apply the formula to the rest of the column?
Select the formula cell, such as E10, and drag its fill handle down the target range. WPS Spreadsheets adjusts C10 to C11, C12, and so on automatically.
Does the formula treat a formula that returns nothing as blank?
Yes. When the source cell contains a formula that returns an empty string, the comparison to "" is true and the target cell returns an empty string instead of X.
Can I use this formula in an Excel workbook?
Yes. IF and empty-string comparisons are standard spreadsheet functions. Enter the formula in WPS Spreadsheets and save the workbook as XLSX or XLS when Excel compatibility is needed.
