Database

Notion Formula: Find Empty Cells In A Database

Sarah Brennan ·

notion-missing-data-formula-empty-cell.png

❍ Empty Cells

How do you locate missing data in a Notion database and return a reminder to fill the cell? One solution is with this handy formula that displays empty columns in a list. I use this formula for my own databases and have found it very useful for tables with data to collect overtime. Here’s how it works.

When To Use The Formula

  • Large databases with empty cells to fill over time.

  • Systems that act as a checklist or habit tracker.

The Missing Data Formula

For every column with missing data, the formula will return the name of the column with an “x” emoji to the left.

notion-missing-data-template-page-example.png

Example: The Scenario

This example (above) has six columns to fill. For every missing column named in the formula, I created a new line to display the next for visual ease.

Full Formula

if(empty(prop("Column 1")), "⌫ Column 1\n", "") + if(empty(prop("Column 2")), "⌫ Column 2\n", "") + if(empty(prop("Column 3")), "⌫ Column 3\n", "") + if(empty(prop("Column 4")), "⌫ Column 4\n", "") + if(empty(prop("Column 5")), "⌫ Column 5\n", "") + if(empty(prop("Column 6")), "⌫ Column 6\n", "")

Formula Breakdown: How To Customize

For every column an if statement is made. Use the addition function to string them together.

  • if(empty(prop("Column 1")), "⌫ Column 1\n", "") +

  • if(empty(prop("Column 2")), "⌫ Column 2\n", "") +

  • if(empty(prop("Column 3")), "⌫ Column 3\n", "")

  • …

Here is how a single statement is structured.

  • if(empty(prop("Column 1")), "⌫ Column 1\n", "")

    • if Column 1 is empty …

  • if(empty(prop("Column 1")), "⌫ Column 1\n", "")

    • Display the following text and a new line “\n”.

  • if(empty(prop("Column 1")), "⌫ Column 1\n", "")

    • Otherwise, leave an empty space.

 

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