Evaluating a string as a formula

**LATrojan** · 04-20-2009, 03:24 PM

Hi all,

Is there a way a string can be evaluated as a formula?
I'm building a formula by concatening several strings but can't find a way to evaluate the formula.

Do I need a macro or is there a simple way to eval it?

Thanks!

**oldchippy** · 04-20-2009, 03:33 PM

To best describe or illustrate your problem you would be better off attaching a dummy workbook, the workbook should contain the same structure and some dummy data of the same type as the type you have in your real workbook - so, if a cell contains numbers & letters in this format abc-123 then that should be reflected in the dummy workbook.

If needed supply a before and after sheet in the workbook so the person helping you can see what you are trying to achieve.

Doing this will ensure you get the result you need!

**LATrojan** · 04-20-2009, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by oldchippy

To best describe or illustrate your problem you would be better off attaching a dummy workbook, the workbook should contain the same structure and some dummy data of the same type as the type you have in your real workbook - so, if a cell contains numbers & letters in this format abc-123 then that should be reflected in the dummy workbook.

If needed supply a before and after sheet in the workbook so the person helping you can see what you are trying to achieve.

Doing this will ensure you get the result you need!

Ok thanks.

Here's a simplified version of my issue:

I have a cell , say A3 that has: =CONCATENATE("=", A1, "+", A2)
I'd like to have the sum show up there, instead, I get the concatenated string itself (and not the actual value)

**oldchippy** · 04-20-2009, 04:51 PM

Hi,

Try

=INDIRECT("A1")+INDIRECT("A2")

**DonkeyOte** · 04-20-2009, 06:33 PM

Another alternative (pending complexity) could be to use Evaluate in a Defined Name...

Consider:

A1: 10
B1: *
C1: 2

Select cell D1: Insert -> Name -> Define:

Name: EVAL
RefersTo: =EVALUATE(CONCATENATE(A1,B1,C1))

D1: =EVALUATE
result --> 20

If B1 (operator) altered from * to / then D1: =5 ... if A1, C1 values are altered the result will alter accordingly.

Entering =EVAL into D2 would perform a calc based on Concatenation of A2:C2