Non-Negative Time Calculation Formula for Excel

Excel Formula Development

Objective

To create an Excel formula that calculates time based on the conditions provided, ensuring that the result is non-negative.

Original Formula

The base formula provided is:

=IF([@[Best ETA from previous port]]>=[@[DP - PROFORMA ARRIVAL]]; 24*([@[TIME_actual_arrival]]-[@[Best ETA from previous port]]); 24*([@[TIME_actual_arrival]]-[@[DP - PROFORMA ARRIVAL]]))

Requirement

• The calculated time should not produce a negative value.
• This can be managed by using the MAX function to ensure a minimum resultant value of zero.

Revised Formula

To incorporate the requirement that the result cannot be negative, the formula is modified as follows:

=MAX(0, IF([@[Best ETA from previous port]] >= [@[DP - PROFORMA ARRIVAL]], 24*([@[TIME_actual_arrival]] - [@[Best ETA from previous port]]), 24*([@[TIME_actual_arrival]] - [@[DP - PROFORMA ARRIVAL]])))

Formula Breakdown

1. MAX(0, ...): This part ensures that the result of the formula will never be less than zero. If the calculated value is negative, it defaults to zero.

2. IF Function:

   • The condition checks if [@[Best ETA from previous port]] is greater than or equal to [@[DP - PROFORMA ARRIVAL]].
   • If true, it calculates 24 * ([@[TIME_actual_arrival]] - [@[Best ETA from previous port]]).
   • If false, it calculates 24 * ([@[TIME_actual_arrival]] - [@[DP - PROFORMA ARRIVAL]]).

3. 24 Multiplication: This is consistent with the original intent to convert the time difference into hours.

Practical Example

Consider the following sample data:

• Calculation:
  • Since 10:00 (Best ETA) < 10:30 (DP), the formula evaluates the second part of the IF statement.
  • Time actual arrival (11:00) - DP (10:30) = 30 minutes or 0.5 hours.
  • Result = 24 * 0.5 = 12 (as this is non-negative, it will be the output).

Conclusion

The final formula provides a robust way to calculate the desired outcome while enforcing the non-negativity constraint. Users can implement this directly in their Excel spreadsheets, ensuring accurate time calculations in their data analysis tasks. For further Excel training or advanced formulas, consider exploring the Enterprise DNA Platform.