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.