Having problem with cell formula....need assistance please

[jdmartin]

I am working on an Ipad Numbers spreadsheet, and one of the calculations I need to do is to determine the number of days between two dates.

I am using the DATEDIF function, but the problem I'm having is this....

My start date is in A2. Then I have dates from A3 through A45. The formula that I have that calculates the first date difference
is = (DATEDIF (A2-A3,"D")) The date in A2 is the "start date" and all other dates need to reference A2 as the start date. Now I want to "fill" the remaining cells of the column that contain the days difference value, in this case that column is "R". I tap on the R3 cell, select the "fill" option, and then drag down the border until I have included all the cells that I want to contain this formula. The problem is that A2 does not remain the start date in the formula. Without having to enter the formula manually into every cell in the R column, how can I fill or paste this formula so that it becomes A2-A4, A2-A5, A2-A6, and so on....

Thanks....

Jim

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[twerppoet]

Use the INDIRECT function to get the data from A2, instead of doing it directly. (DATEDIF (INDIRECT("A2")-A3,"D"))

In order to enter the "A2" into the INDIRECT function you will select the address cell, then use the "abc" key to enter the address. You can leave the addr-style default, or delete it. Don't forget to delete the extra comma if you do.

I tested this with a simple sheet, as you described. Because the INDIRECT function does not directly point at a cell, it stays the same in when replicated via a Fill.

[jdmartin]

Outstanding ! I'll give this a whirl this evening and let you know the results. Thanks again for all your help.

[twerppoet]

No problem.

[jdmartin]

Ok, I'm still doing something wrong....please take a look at the formula I tried to enter, per your directions, and let me know where the syntax error is. I'm still learning how to use Numbers to enter formulas.....not exactly what I'm used to seeing in Excel......Let me know what I need to do to fix this

[twerppoet]

Looks like you accidentally deleted one of the parenthesis and tried to re-add it manually. You can only use the parenthesis key for expressions. Using them to bracket the formula variables causes a syntax error.

[twerppoet]

Going back and looking at my first reply, I see it is my fault. That minus sign should have been a comma. (DATEDIF (INDIRECT("A2"),A3,"D")) instead of (DATEDIF (INDIRECT("A2")-A3,"D")).

That's what I get for trying to type it instead of just taking a screen shot like I usually do.

[jdmartin]

works perfect now !!! thanks for continuing to help me out on this one....

[twerppoet]

Not a problem. Compared to some of the formulas people have asked for help with, this one was easy.

Just wish I'd caught my typo.

[jamesmaine]

I'm also having problems with formulas in numbers. I used to know excel basics but cannot figure out formula use in numbers.
1A is dates, in the Sun, April 25, 2012 format. I am attempting several things:
1- build a formula that will let me know the frequency of events on Sun, Mon, Tues etc.
2- enter data into other fields in the row ONLY of there is data is column A (ie A39 is a new record, I'd place today's date, then in another field it would calculate age based in DOB-Today() ). Struggling with what should be simple formulas. Any help would be great