Crystal Reports If true then return number else return NULL - crystal-reports

Question

In Crystal Reports, is it possible to have a function that returns a numeric value if the if statement evaluates to true and returns NULL otherwise?
I currently have
IF ({INDICATOR} = 'Y') Then
(
{numeric value}
)
Else
(
0
);
But since 0 is a possible value of {numeric value} it doesn't make sense. Rather, I would rather have that field come up blank if the indicator isn't 'Y', but when I replace the 0 with NULL it gives me a type mismatch error.
Is there a way for me to only show the value when the indicator is 'Y'?

Answer 1

If you truly want a null value and not empty try the following
create a formula called NULL then save it and close without entering any data in the formula area. Then in your formula above try
If {INDICATOR} = 'Y' then {numeric value}
else tonumber({#NULL})

Answer 2

you can't return two different datatypes in a single if statement..If if is number then else should also be number.. instead try to split the statements and try.. something like below.
IF ({INDICATOR} = 'Y') Then
(
ToText({numeric value})
)
Else if ({INDICATOR} <> 'Y') Then
(
""
);

Answer 3

If {INDICATOR} = 'Y' then {numeric value}
else {Command.NULLCOL}
The setup in Database Expert is to use Add Command with sql:
select null as nullcol
from dual
Then left join to it.
A returned null value can be very powerful, so your need for a null value should not be questioned. Null values automatically display differently to stand out. Compared to 0 or "", null values work correctly with DistinctCount function. Null values also work correctly with section summaries and crosstabs, which can save you a lot of work which is the whole point of using crystal.