There is a category of functions for information about cells.
They generally return true or false (1/0).
ISBLANK ISNUMBER ISTEXT are a few.
To get the full list, pick an empty cell, type "=", and drag down the small down arrow next to the formula entry box, at the bottom of the list select "more functions". In the new dialog box pick information, on the right choose a function and read what it dose at the bottom.
IF cell## exist and cell ## exists, then show cell## else, show 0
So cell A1 might code as =IF(ISNUMBER(D5),D5,0)
If d5 evaluates to the numerical value 5, then A1 will evaluate as 5.
Text or blank or errors report as 0.
Ok Excel geek mode off now.
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Glenn