The IF function allows you to make a logical comparison between a value and what you expect by testing for a condition and returning a result if that condition is True or False.
-
=IF(Something is True, then do something, otherwise do something else)
But what if you need to test multiple conditions, where let’s say all conditions need to be True or False (AND), or only one condition needs to be True or False (OR), or if you want to check if a condition does NOT meet your criteria? All 3 functions can be used on their own, but it’s much more common to see them paired with IF functions.
Use the IF function along with AND, OR and NOT to perform multiple evaluations if conditions are True or False.
Syntax
-
IF(AND()) — IF(AND(logical1, [logical2], …), value_if_true, [value_if_false]))
-
IF(OR()) — IF(OR(logical1, [logical2], …), value_if_true, [value_if_false]))
-
IF(NOT()) — IF(NOT(logical1), value_if_true, [value_if_false]))
Argument name |
Description |
|
logical_test (required) |
The condition you want to test. |
|
value_if_true (required) |
The value that you want returned if the result of logical_test is TRUE. |
|
value_if_false (optional) |
The value that you want returned if the result of logical_test is FALSE. |
|
Here are overviews of how to structure AND, OR and NOT functions individually. When you combine each one of them with an IF statement, they read like this:
-
AND – =IF(AND(Something is True, Something else is True), Value if True, Value if False)
-
OR – =IF(OR(Something is True, Something else is True), Value if True, Value if False)
-
NOT – =IF(NOT(Something is True), Value if True, Value if False)
Examples
Following are examples of some common nested IF(AND()), IF(OR()) and IF(NOT()) statements. The AND and OR functions can support up to 255 individual conditions, but it’s not good practice to use more than a few because complex, nested formulas can get very difficult to build, test and maintain. The NOT function only takes one condition.
Here are the formulas spelled out according to their logic:
Formula |
Description |
---|---|
=IF(AND(A2>0,B2<100),TRUE, FALSE) |
IF A2 (25) is greater than 0, AND B2 (75) is less than 100, then return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case both conditions are true, so TRUE is returned. |
=IF(AND(A3=»Red»,B3=»Green»),TRUE,FALSE) |
If A3 (“Blue”) = “Red”, AND B3 (“Green”) equals “Green” then return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case only the first condition is true, so FALSE is returned. |
=IF(OR(A4>0,B4<50),TRUE, FALSE) |
IF A4 (25) is greater than 0, OR B4 (75) is less than 50, then return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case, only the first condition is TRUE, but since OR only requires one argument to be true the formula returns TRUE. |
=IF(OR(A5=»Red»,B5=»Green»),TRUE,FALSE) |
IF A5 (“Blue”) equals “Red”, OR B5 (“Green”) equals “Green” then return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case, the second argument is True, so the formula returns TRUE. |
=IF(NOT(A6>50),TRUE,FALSE) |
IF A6 (25) is NOT greater than 50, then return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case 25 is not greater than 50, so the formula returns TRUE. |
=IF(NOT(A7=»Red»),TRUE,FALSE) |
IF A7 (“Blue”) is NOT equal to “Red”, then return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. |
Note that all of the examples have a closing parenthesis after their respective conditions are entered. The remaining True/False arguments are then left as part of the outer IF statement. You can also substitute Text or Numeric values for the TRUE/FALSE values to be returned in the examples.
Here are some examples of using AND, OR and NOT to evaluate dates.
Here are the formulas spelled out according to their logic:
Formula |
Description |
---|---|
=IF(A2>B2,TRUE,FALSE) |
IF A2 is greater than B2, return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. 03/12/14 is greater than 01/01/14, so the formula returns TRUE. |
=IF(AND(A3>B2,A3<C2),TRUE,FALSE) |
IF A3 is greater than B2 AND A3 is less than C2, return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case both arguments are true, so the formula returns TRUE. |
=IF(OR(A4>B2,A4<B2+60),TRUE,FALSE) |
IF A4 is greater than B2 OR A4 is less than B2 + 60, return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case the first argument is true, but the second is false. Since OR only needs one of the arguments to be true, the formula returns TRUE. If you use the Evaluate Formula Wizard from the Formula tab you’ll see how Excel evaluates the formula. |
=IF(NOT(A5>B2),TRUE,FALSE) |
IF A5 is not greater than B2, then return TRUE, otherwise return FALSE. In this case, A5 is greater than B2, so the formula returns FALSE. |
Using AND, OR and NOT with Conditional Formatting
You can also use AND, OR and NOT to set Conditional Formatting criteria with the formula option. When you do this you can omit the IF function and use AND, OR and NOT on their own.
From the Home tab, click Conditional Formatting > New Rule. Next, select the “Use a formula to determine which cells to format” option, enter your formula and apply the format of your choice.
Using the earlier Dates example, here is what the formulas would be.
Formula |
Description |
---|---|
=A2>B2 |
If A2 is greater than B2, format the cell, otherwise do nothing. |
=AND(A3>B2,A3<C2) |
If A3 is greater than B2 AND A3 is less than C2, format the cell, otherwise do nothing. |
=OR(A4>B2,A4<B2+60) |
If A4 is greater than B2 OR A4 is less than B2 plus 60 (days), then format the cell, otherwise do nothing. |
=NOT(A5>B2) |
If A5 is NOT greater than B2, format the cell, otherwise do nothing. In this case A5 is greater than B2, so the result will return FALSE. If you were to change the formula to =NOT(B2>A5) it would return TRUE and the cell would be formatted. |
Note: A common error is to enter your formula into Conditional Formatting without the equals sign (=). If you do this you’ll see that the Conditional Formatting dialog will add the equals sign and quotes to the formula — =»OR(A4>B2,A4<B2+60)», so you’ll need to remove the quotes before the formula will respond properly.
Need more help?
See also
You can always ask an expert in the Excel Tech Community or get support in the Answers community.
Learn how to use nested functions in a formula
IF function
AND function
OR function
NOT function
Overview of formulas in Excel
How to avoid broken formulas
Detect errors in formulas
Keyboard shortcuts in Excel
Logical functions (reference)
Excel functions (alphabetical)
Excel functions (by category)
The logical IF statement in Excel is used for the recording of certain conditions. It compares the number and / or text, function, etc. of the formula when the values correspond to the set parameters, and then there is one record, when do not respond — another.
Logic functions — it is a very simple and effective tool that is often used in practice. Let us consider it in details by examples.
The syntax of the function «IF» with one condition
The operation syntax in Excel is the structure of the functions necessary for its operation data.
=IF(boolean;value_if_TRUE;value_if_FALSE)
Let us consider the function syntax:
- Boolean – what the operator checks (text or numeric data cell).
- Value_if_TRUE – what will appear in the cell when the text or numbers correspond to a predetermined condition (true).
- Value_if_FALSE – what appears in the box when the text or the number does not meet the predetermined condition (false).
Example:
Logical IF functions.
The operator checks the A1 cell and compares it to 20. This is a «Boolean». When the contents of the column is more than 20, there is a true legend «greater 20». In the other case it’s «less or equal 20».
Attention! The words in the formula need to be quoted. For Excel to understand that you want to display text values.
Here is one more example. To gain admission to the exam, a group of students must successfully pass a test. The results are listed in a table with columns: a list of students, a credit, an exam.
The statement IF should check not the digital data type but the text. Therefore, we prescribed in the formula В2= «done» We take the quotes for the program to recognize the text correctly.
The function IF in Excel with multiple conditions
Usually one condition for the logic function is not enough. If you need to consider several options for decision-making, spread operators’ IF into each other. Thus, we get several functions IF in Excel.
The syntax is as follows:
Here the operator checks the two parameters. If the first condition is true, the formula returns the first argument is the truth. False — the operator checks the second condition.
Examples of a few conditions of the function IF in Excel:
It’s a table for the analysis of the progress. The student received 5 points:
- А – excellent;
- В – above average or superior work;
- C – satisfactory;
- D – a passing grade;
- E – completely unsatisfactory.
IF statement checks two conditions: the equality of value in the cells.
In this example, we have added a third condition, which implies the presence of another report card and «twos». The principle of the operator is the same.
Enhanced functionality with the help of the operators «AND» and «OR»
When you need to check out a few of the true conditions you use the function И. The point is: IF A = 1 AND A = 2 THEN meaning в ELSE meaning с.
OR function checks the condition 1 or condition 2. As soon as at least one condition is true, the result is true. The point is: IF A = 1 OR A = 2 THEN value B ELSE value C.
Functions AND & OR can check up to 30 conditions.
An example of using the operator AND:
It’s the example of using the logical operator OR.
How to compare data in two tables
Users often need to compare the two spreadsheets in an Excel to match. Examples of the «life»: compare the prices of goods in different bringing, to compare balances (accounting reports) in a few months, the progress of pupils (students) of different classes, in different quarters, etc.
To compare the two tables in Excel, you can use the COUNTIFS statement. Consider the order of application functions.
For example, consider the two tables with the specifications of various food processors. We planned allocation of color differences. This problem in Excel solves the conditional formatting.
Baseline data (tables, which will work with):
Select the first table. Conditional Formatting — create a rule — use a formula to determine the formatted cells:
In the formula bar write: = COUNTIFS (comparable range; first cell of first table)=0. Comparing range is in the second table.
To drive the formula into the range, just select it first cell and the last. «= 0» means the search for the exact command (not approximate) values.
Choose the format and establish what changes in the cell formula in compliance. It’s better to do a color fill.
Select the second table. Conditional Formatting — create a rule — use the formula. Use the same operator (COUNTIFS). For the second table formula:
Download all examples in Excel
Now it is easy to compare the characteristics of the data in the table.
“Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.” — Alan Turing
Microsoft Excel is one of the most popular programmes in the Microsoft Office suite. Whether you’re using pivot tables, graphs, or spreadsheets, Excel allows you to work more effectively with data. As well as addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc., you can also use a variety of different functions in Excel.
So how do you use some of these functions and logical operators in Excel?
In this article, we’ll show you how to use some of Excel’s most powerful functions. These functions can help you to use Excel more effectively, use conditional formatting, and get more out of an Excel spreadsheet, workbooks, worksheets, and pivot tables.
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Logical Operators in Excel
The functions IF, NOT, AND, and OR aren’t often known by users of Excel even though they can be really useful when creating spreadsheets and tables. They allow you to apply conditions to certain sets of data in the rows and columns of your Excel data.
They can be included in a macro.
“A macro is an action or a set of actions that you can run as many times as you want.”
Put simply, macros are a shortcut that allows you to do several actions within Excel at the touch of a button.
The IF function is one of the main ones. According to Excel:
“The IF function is one of the most popular functions in Excel, and it allows you to make logical comparisons between a value and what you expect.”
This function is generally used at the end of a row of data in a spreadsheet. You can find it in the toolbar. You can use it in a formula that can have two different results, A or B, for example. By adding the term “IF”, you imply that if the condition is met, the result will be A. Otherwise, the result will be B.
The IF function can be used with other functions (OR, AND, NOT). There are sometimes results that don’t correspond to either of your expected outcomes.
This is why you can also use AND, OR, and NOT alongside the IF function.
Once you’ve created your spreadsheet, you can organise it with logical operators. It might be a good idea to create an organisation chart to keep track of your conditions.
This will help you to create your formulae without forgetting brackets, semicolons, etc. The semicolon is essential for separating possible results. Make sure you don’t forget that your operation can be FALSE.
The IF Function in an Excel File
According to Microsoft:
“[A]n IF statement can have two results. The first result is if your comparison is True, the second if your comparison is False.”
An IF function compares a value to another value defined by the user. This gives you a new value that says whether or not the condition has been met.
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An IF statement is as follows:
=IF(Condition; Value if true; Value if false)
You can also use logical operators in Excel:
- Equal to (=)
- Different from (<>)
- Greater than (>)
- Greater than or equal to (>=)
- Less than (<)
- Less than or equal to (<=)
The “Value if true” will be shown if the condition outlined in the IF statement is met. Otherwise, the “Value if false” will be displayed.
Unlike what you may think, the values don’t necessarily need to be numerical. If you put text in, the formula will display that text. You can put values or text in the cells:
=IF(A2>10, “For”, “Against”)
=IF(A2>10, A4, 0).
The logic can be used by adding a value like “A” in the first cell (A1) and a condition such as “B” in the second. For example:
=IF(A2>B, “For”, “Against”)
The result will be “For” or “Against” for each cell.
You can also nest IF functions in the event that several conditions must be met. You can nest IF statements within one another.
In this case, the conditions will be met in stages. A formula could look like this:
=IF(B3>90; “A”; IF(B3>80; “B”; IF(B3>70; “C”)))
Each statement is based on the output of the previous. There needs to be a logical hierarchy in place.
Find out more about common keyboard shortcuts for Excel.
IF Functions Used With AND
The AND function can be used in Excel and added to IF statements. Using AND reduces the length of formulae and makes it easier to read.
As we previously explained, if you have several conditions that need to be met, you can nest your statements to get the desired result. This means that one condition is checked before the second comes into play. This structure is endless and focuses on errors.
By using the function AND, you can simplify the nested functions. The function of AND is to ensure that if both conditions are met, the result of the IF statement will be TRUE. If one of the conditions is not met, the result will be FALSE.
Thus, you can create a formula like:
=IF(AND(A1=“TRUE”; A2=“TRUE”; A3=“TRUE”)=TRUE; “EVERYTHING IS TRUE”; “NOT EVERYTHING IS TRUE”)
The negative result indicates that not everything is true but it doesn’t mean that all results are false.
To create formulae in Excel, you can use logical operators such as IF, AND, and also OR. Like the AND function, OR is used with IF to simplify certain statements. It’s a good way to streamline your operations.
The problem with the AND function is that all conditions need to be met to create a positive result. Thanks to the OR function, you can get a positive result as long as one of the conditions is met.
This is the type of formula you could get:
=IF(OR(A1=“TRUE”; A2=“TRUE”; A3=“TRUE”)=TRUE; “AT LEAST ONE CONDITION IS TRUE”; “NO CONDITIONS ARE TRUE”)
With a single condition met, you’re given a positive result. In the case of negative results, it means none of the conditions has been met.
Just like with the AND function, using the OR function allows you to use just two functions rather than several.
AND and OR functions can be used together within an IF statement. This allows you to create all sorts of formulae. Thus you can combine AND (all conditions must be met) and OR (one condition must be met).
Using three functions at the same time allows you to work with three conditions at the same time. In the case that you want one condition to be met and at least one of the other two to be met, you can use an AND function and then an OR function while nesting them within an IF statement.
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The NOT Function in Excel
The NOT function allows you to provide a positive result if a condition isn’t met. You’ll still use the IF function to introduce the condition but you’ll use to NOT function to invert the result. This function allows you to get a positive result from an unmet condition.
This will work similarly to the different to (<>) operator.
Thus: =IF(A1<> “British”; “Foreign”, “European”) will give the same results as =IF(NOT(A1= “British”; “Foreign”, “European”).
The NOT function can also be introduced within the IF statement alongside an AND or OR function. While the formulae will become more complicated, they allow you to do powerful logical operations automatically within Microsoft Excel. Open a spreadsheet and play around with this.
Let’s not forget also that the Microsoft software has its own built-in help pages so you may be able to find instructions for what you need to program to do by simply asking it.
If you still need help, consider checking Superprof for private tutors specialising in IT or office skills.
Learning To Use Excel With A Superprof Tutor
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There are three types of tutorials available on the platform: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials and each type has its pros and cons.
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Just search what you want to learn and where you live and you’ll find plenty of tutors offering lessons.
Alternatively, you can opt for classes at an institution near you.
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Pitman Training is a long-established training provider that caters for all of your office needs. Beginners can benefit from some introductory or intermediate Excel classes, however, those who use the Microsoft program regularly may prefer to challenge themselves with this advanced-level course for Excel users.
Excel Expert
«About this course
For those who have a basic grounding in Microsoft Excel, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to use MS Excel at an advanced level.
To get the most out of this course, you will need to have completed our entry-level Microsoft Excel course or have the equivalent experience of this extremely popular software.
You can also be confident that you’ll possess the top skills being sought by employers.
You’ll also have the powerful Pitman Training name on your CV, as a quality mark of achievement. To continue your training, we’d urge you to look at our other Microsoft Office courses, or our Microsoft Office Plus Diploma.
What is included in this course?
Course content will depend on which version of Microsoft Office you want to study, 2010 or 2013.
Whichever version you study, you’ll become confident in a range of Excel’s more sophisticated features including using AutoFill, creating and working with tables, using/hiding worksheets, custom formats; defining, using and managing named ranges; using conditional formatting and filtering data; recording and running macros; summarising data, database functions and pivot tables; using data across worksheets, switching between workbooks and workbook templates; worksheet, file and cell properties and using Excel’s statistical functions.
Below is the lesson plan for the Excel 2013 courses: —
Lesson One: Using AutoFill, carrying out date calculations, adding a picture as a watermark, creating and working with tables, converting text to columns, removing duplicates, using Flash Fill, consolidating data, using paste special, creating a custom format
Lesson Two: Defining, using and managing named ranges, using named ranges in formulas, inserting, modifying and removing hyperlinks, formatting elements of a column and pie charts, saving a chart as a template, creating combination chart, using functions: ROUND; SUMIF; SUMIF; IF; IFERROR; AND, using the IF function nested with OR
Lesson Three: Using conditional formatting, editing a conditional formatting rule, using the Rules Manager, formatting cells meeting a specific condition, applying more than one conditional formatting rule, sorting data using cell attributes, filtering data using cell attributes, using advanced filter options
Lesson Four: Recording and running macros, editing a macro, running a macro from the Quick Access Toolbar, deleting macros, using data validation, tracing precedent/dependent cells in a worksheet, evaluating formulas, tracing errors.
Lesson Five: Summarising data using subtotals, using database functions, grouping and ungrouping data, creating a pivot table, refreshing pivot table data, filtering information in a pivot table, formatting pivot table data, creating and using a slicer, formatting a slicer, creating and using a timeline, using recommended pivot tables
Lesson Six: Using the VLOOKUP function, inserting an embedded object into a spreadsheet, inserting a linked object into a spreadsheet, using paste special to create a link between programs, linking Excel workbooks, using the scenario manager, setting up data tables
Lesson Seven: Protecting worksheet cells, applying and removing passwords, setting file properties, sharing workbooks, merging workbooks, tracking changes, accepting or rejecting changes, using the Document Inspector, marking a workbook as final
Lesson Eight: Using statistical functions: COUNTA, COUNTBLANK, COUNTIF, using text functions: PROPER, UPPER; LOWER, TRIM, LEFT, MID, RIGHT, CONCATENATE, using financial functions: PV; NPV; RATE, using nested functions»
If you don’t have a Pitman centre near you or you want to study from home, then consider an online course that can offer you a similar qualification.
Brush Up On Your Excel Knowledge With The New Skills Academy
Microsoft Excel Advanced
Course Details
Course Code: UKFEC16MEA
Location: Online
Duration: 10 hours
Cost: £299.00
Qualification: Includes the Following Courses Microsoft Excel Advanced Certificate
Further Details
Course Access: Lifetime
Exams Included: Yes
Compatibility: All major devices and browsers
«What you will learn
Some of the concepts that you will learn in the MS Excel Advance Course include the following:
- VLOOKUP Advanced formula options and manipulations
- Other advanced functions including OR, AND, CHOOSE, INDIRECT, REPLACE, LEN, LEFT, FIND
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- Colouring a column and row with a formula
- Highlighting a cell with a formula
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Logical functions are some of the most popular and useful in Excel. They can test values in other cells and perform actions dependent upon the result of the test. This helps us to automate tasks in our spreadsheets.
How to Use the IF Function
The IF function is the main logical function in Excel and is, therefore, the one to understand first. It will appear numerous times throughout this article.
Let’s have a look at the structure of the IF function, and then see some examples of its use.
The IF function accepts 3 bits of information:
=IF(logical_test, [value_if_true], [value_if_false])
- logical_test: This is the condition for the function to check.
- value_if_true: The action to perform if the condition is met, or is true.
- value_if_false: The action to perform if the condition is not met, or is false.
Comparison Operators to Use with Logical Functions
When performing the logical test with cell values, you need to be familiar with the comparison operators. You can see a breakdown of these in the table below.
Now let’s look at some examples of it in action.
IF Function Example 1: Text Values
In this example, we want to test if a cell is equal to a specific phrase. The IF function is not case-sensitive so does not take upper and lower case letters into account.
The following formula is used in column C to display “No” if column B contains the text “Completed” and “Yes” if it contains anything else.
=IF(B2="Completed","No","Yes")
Although the IF function is not case sensitive, the text must be an exact match.
IF Function Example 2: Numeric Values
The IF function is also great for comparing numeric values.
In the formula below we test if cell B2 contains a number greater than or equal to 75. If it does, then we display the word “Pass,” and if not the word “Fail.”
=IF(B2>=75,"Pass","Fail")
The IF function is a lot more than just displaying different text on the result of a test. We can also use it to run different calculations.
In this example, we want to give a 10% discount if the customer spends a certain amount of money. We will use £3,000 as an example.
=IF(B2>=3000,B2*90%,B2)
The B2*90% part of the formula is a way that you can subtract 10% from the value in cell B2. There are many ways of doing this.
What’s important is that you can use any formula in the value_if_true
or value_if_false
sections. And running different formulas dependent upon the values of other cells is a very powerful skill to have.
IF Function Example 3: Date Values
In this third example, we use the IF function to track a list of due dates. We want to display the word “Overdue” if the date in column B is in the past. But if the date is in the future, calculate the number of days until the due date.
The formula below is used in column C. We check if the due date in cell B2 is less than today’s date (The TODAY function returns today’s date from the computer’s clock).
=IF(B2<TODAY(),"Overdue",B2-TODAY())
What are Nested IF Formulas?
You may have heard of the term nested IFs before. This means that we can write an IF function within another IF function. We may want to do this if we have more than two actions to perform.
One IF function is capable of performing two actions (the value_if_true
and value_if_false
). But if we embed (or nest) another IF function in the value_if_false
section, then we can perform another action.
Take this example where we want to display the word “Excellent” if the value in cell B2 is greater than or equal to 90, display “Good” if the value is greater than or equal to 75, and display “Poor” if anything else.
=IF(B2>=90,"Excellent",IF(B2>=75,"Good","Poor"))
We have now extended our formula to beyond what just one IF function can do. And you can nest more IF functions if necessary.
Notice the two closing brackets on the end of the formula—one for each IF function.
There are alternative formulas that can be cleaner than this nested IF approach. One very useful alternative is the SWITCH function in Excel.
The AND and OR functions are used when you want to perform more than one comparison in your formula. The IF function alone can only handle one condition, or comparison.
Take an example where we discount a value by 10% dependent upon the amount a customer spends and how many years they have been a customer.
On their own, the AND and OR functions will return the value of TRUE or FALSE.
The AND function returns TRUE only if every condition is met, and otherwise returns FALSE. The OR function returns TRUE if one or all of the conditions are met, and returns FALSE only if no conditions are met.
These functions can test up to 255 conditions, so are certainly not limited to just two conditions like is demonstrated here.
Below is the structure of the AND and OR functions. They are written the same. Just substitute the name AND for OR. It is just their logic which is different.
=AND(logical1, [logical2] ...)
Let’s see an example of both of them evaluating two conditions.
AND Function example
The AND function is used below to test if the customer spends at least £3,000 and has been a customer for at least three years.
=AND(B2>=3000,C2>=3)
You can see that it returns FALSE for Matt and Terry because although they both meet one of the criteria, they need to meet both with the AND function.
OR Function Example
The OR function is used below to test if the customer spends at least £3,000 or has been a customer for at least three years.
=OR(B2>=3000,C2>=3)
In this example, the formula returns TRUE for Matt and Terry. Only Julie and Gillian fail both conditions and return the value of FALSE.
Using AND and OR with the IF Function
Because the AND and OR functions return the value of TRUE or FALSE when used alone, it’s rare to use them by themselves.
Instead, you’ll typically use them with the IF function, or within an Excel feature such as Conditional Formatting or Data Validation to perform some retrospective action if the formula evaluates to TRUE.
In the formula below, the AND function is nested inside the IF function’s logical test. If the AND function returns TRUE then 10% is discounted from the amount in column B; otherwise, no discount is given and the value in column B is repeated in column D.
=IF(AND(B2>=3000,C2>=3),B2*90%,B2)
The XOR Function
In addition to the OR function, there is also an exclusive OR function. This is called the XOR function. The XOR function was introduced with the Excel 2013 version.
This function can take some effort to understand, so a practical example is shown.
The structure of the XOR function is the same as the OR function.
=XOR(logical1, [logical2] ...)
When evaluating just two conditions the XOR function returns:
- TRUE if either condition evaluates to TRUE.
- FALSE if both conditions are TRUE, or neither condition is TRUE.
This differs from the OR function because that would return TRUE if both conditions were TRUE.
This function gets a little more confusing when more conditions are added. Then the XOR function returns:
- TRUE if an odd number of conditions return TRUE.
- FALSE if an even number of conditions result in TRUE, or if all conditions are FALSE.
Let’s look at a simple example of the XOR function.
In this example, sales are split over two halves of the year. If a salesperson sells £3,000 or more in both halves then they are assigned Gold standard. This is achieved with an AND function with IF like earlier in the article.
But if they sell £3,000 or more in either half then we want to assign them Silver status. If they don’t sell £3,000 or more in both then nothing.
The XOR function is perfect for this logic. The formula below is entered into column E and shows the XOR function with IF to display “Yes” or “No” only if either condition is met.
=IF(XOR(B2>=3000,C2>=3000),"Yes","No")
The NOT Function
The final logical function to discuss in this article is the NOT function, and we have left the simplest for last. Although sometimes it can be hard to see the ‘real world’ uses of the function at first.
The NOT function reverses the value of its argument. So if the logical value is TRUE, then it returns FALSE. And if the logical value is FALSE, it will return TRUE.
This will be easier to explain with some examples.
The structure of the NOT function is;
=NOT(logical)
NOT Function Example 1
In this example, imagine we have a head office in London and then many other regional sites. We want to display the word “Yes” if the site is anything except London, and “No” if it is London.
The NOT function has been nested in the logical test of the IF function below to reverse the TRUE result.
=IF(NOT(B2="London"),"Yes","No")
This can also be achieved by using the NOT logical operator of <>. Below is an example.
=IF(B2<>"London","Yes","No")
NOT Function Example 2
The NOT function is useful when working with information functions in Excel. These are a group of functions in Excel that check something, and return TRUE if the check is a success, and FALSE if it is not.
For example, the ISTEXT function will check if a cell contains text and return TRUE if it does and FALSE if it does not. The NOT function is helpful because it can reverse the result of these functions.
In the example below, we want to pay a salesperson 5% of the amount they upsell. But if they did not upsell anything, the word “None” is in the cell and this will produce an error in the formula.
The ISTEXT function is used to check for the presence of text. This returns TRUE if there is text, so the NOT function reverses this to FALSE. And the IF performs its calculation.
=IF(NOT(ISTEXT(B2)),B2*5%,0)
Mastering logical functions will give you a big advantage as an Excel user. To be able to test and compare values in cells and perform different actions based on those results is very useful.
This article has covered the best logical functions used today. Recent versions of Excel have seen the introduction of more functions added to this library, such as the XOR function mentioned in this article. Keeping up to date with these new additions will keep you ahead of the crowd.
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