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Discover whether Excel custom functions can return truly blank values for dynamic arrays and learn about workarounds to achieve desired graph results.
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Is it Possible to Return Truly Blank Values from Excel Custom Functions?

When working with Excel, especially with custom functions, you might find yourself facing unexpected challenges—like ensuring that you have control over how empty data points are represented in visualizations. One common inquiry revolves around whether it's possible to return truly blank values in a custom function, especially in scenarios where timestamps may not always have corresponding values.

Understanding the Problem

Imagine you are developing a dynamic array in Excel that includes timestamps along with their respective values. In your calculations, it is possible that certain timestamps may not have an associated value. In such cases, you may want the output to reflect a blank space rather than a zero. Why? Because zeros can distort visualizations like graphs, skewing interpretations and results.

The Challenge

The core of the issue is rooted in how Excel interprets outputs from custom functions and dynamic arrays. By default, returning values such as an empty string ('') or null results in Excel reading that value as zero. This not only misrepresents your data but also affects any subsequent graphs or analyses you create.

Proposed Solutions and Workarounds

While it can be frustrating, particularly since a straightforward method to return totally blank values isn't available, there are viable actions you can take to get closer to your ideal outcome.

1. Understanding Excel's Response

Excel's Default Behavior: Excel has been designed in such a way that when a custom function returns a blank value, the dynamic array sees that as zero.

Workaround Limitations: Using an empty string ('') is a widely suggested workaround, but it alters the underlying content within your Excel file.

2. Evaluating Alternatives

While there may not be a way to return a truly blank value, here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

Utilize Conditional Formatting: You could conditionally format cells depending on the calculated value. For example, if the value is zero (which results from a blank or null), you can set the text to be white or hide it entirely.

Custom Graphing Techniques: If your primary concern lies in how your data visualizations appear, consider using custom graphing solutions where you can manually omit zero values or specify how they should be interpreted.

3. Plan Your Data Structure Carefully

Creating a clear plan for your data structure can help mitigate issues related to empty values. Consider:

Explicitly Marking Empty Values: You could define a specific marker in your dynamic array for instances where a value is meant to be blank (for example, using the string "EMPTY"). Later, in the graphing phase, you can include logic to remove or ignore those markers.

Data Validation Logic: Implement additional logic that checks for the absence of value and then returns an appropriate response for your data management tasks.

Conclusion

Currently, Excel's custom functions do not support the return of truly blank values for dynamic arrays due to design limitations. Utilizing some of the recommended workarounds can minimize the impact this limitation has on the representations of your data in both your workbook and subsequent graphs.

In conclusion, while you can't directly resolve the issue of truly blank values, you can adapt your approach to find more effective methods for managing and displaying your data in Excel.