Quick Answer

IF Function

IF checks a condition and returns different values based on whether it is true or false.

Syntax

IF

(logical_test, value_if_true, [value_if_false])

Parameters

Parameter	Description	Required
logical_test	The condition to test (must evaluate to TRUE or FALSE).	Required
value_if_true	The value to return if the condition is TRUE.	Required
value_if_false	Optional. The value to return if the condition is FALSE.	Optional

Basic Example

Simple conditional check

=IF(A1>100, "Over budget", "Within budget")

ResultOver budget

Returns "Over budget" if A1 > 100, otherwise "Within budget".

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Nested IF statements

Multiple conditions

Handle multiple conditions with nested IFs

=IF(A1>=90, "A", IF(A1>=80, "B", IF(A1>=70, "C", "F")))

Result: B

Assigns letter grades based on score ranges.

Example 2: IF with AND/OR

Multiple criteria

Combine multiple conditions

=IF(AND(A1>0, B1>0), "Both positive", "At least one negative")

Result: Both positive

Checks if both values are positive using AND.

How IF Works

IF evaluates the logical test. If TRUE, it returns value_if_true; if FALSE, it returns value_if_false (or FALSE if omitted).

1

Define condition

Determine the logical test you want to perform.

2

Set true result

Decide what to return if the condition is TRUE.

3

Set false result

Decide what to return if the condition is FALSE.

4

Enter formula

Type =IF(condition, true_value, false_value).

Important Notes & Limitations

Nested IFs can become hard to read beyond 3-4 levels.
For multiple conditions, consider using IFS function instead.

Common Errors & Fixes

#VALUE!Logical test does not evaluate to TRUE/FALSE

Fix: Check your condition returns a boolean value.

Download Practice File

Practice IF with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the IF function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

AND

AND checks if ALL conditions are TRUE.

FALSE

Returns the logical value FALSE.

IFERROR

IFERROR catches errors and returns a custom value instead.

IFNA

Replaces #N/A errors with a fallback value.

IFS

A simpler way to write multiple IF statements without nesting.

NOT

NOT flips TRUE to FALSE and FALSE to TRUE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can IF return formulas?

Yes, IF can return any value including formulas.

What happens if value_if_false is omitted?

IF returns FALSE when the condition is FALSE and value_if_false is omitted.