IF
The IF function returns the second argument if a condition is met, and the third one otherwise.
This is one of the most frequently used functions for creating conditions and managing data in spreadsheets.
Syntax
IF(logical_test, value_if_true, [value_if_false])
| Argument | Description | Permitted values |
|---|---|---|
| logical_test | A Boolean expression that needs to be checked to see if it's true | Boolean condition or expression, or reference to a cell that contains the logical value TRUE or FALSE |
| value_if_true | The value returned by the function if the “logical_test” argument is TRUE | Any value (number, text, and so forth) |
| [value_if_false] | (optional) The value returned by the function if the “logical_test” argument is FALSE | Any value (number, text, and so forth) |
Examples of use
Use with numbers
=IF(A1 > 10, "Greater than 10", "10 or less")
If the value in cell A1 is greater than 10, the function will return “Greater than 10”; otherwise, it will return “10 or less.”
Use with text
=IF(B1 = "Yes", "Agree", "Disagree")
If cell B1 contains “Yes,” the function will return “Agree,” otherwise it will return “Disagree.”
Nested functions
=IF(A1 > 10, "Greater than 10", IF(A1 = 10, "Equal to 10", "Less than 10"))
This formula checks several conditions: if A1 is greater than 10, it returns “Greater than 10”; if it is equal to 10, it returns “Equal to 10”; otherwise, it returns “Less than 10.”
Notes
- The IF function can be used in combination with other functions to create more complex Boolean expressions.
- To improve the readability of formulas and reduce errors, you can use nested functions.
- Pay attention to the order of the arguments value_if_true and value_if_false when writing the function.