The
IF() function perfroms a specified logical
test then returns a logical value, number,
cell refernce or text string to the cell.
The syntax for the function
is IF (logical test,
value_if_true, value_if_false).
Where "logical_test" represents
a formula or condition to be tested by
the function, "value_if_true" and "value_if_false"
are "programmed" responses to
the test.
The IF function can be used in conjunction
with multiple operators to perform different
types of logical analysis. For example:
IF(A2 >B2,"TRUE","FALSE") checks to see
if a the value of the contents of cell
A2 is greater than B2.For example: IF(4<
6, "TRUE","FALSE") = TRUE as 4 is less
than 6 the condition is met and so the
string "TRUE" is returned.
Text strings do not have to be ones that
are automatically interpreted as logical
values like TUE or FALSE they can be also
be comments or replys. e.g. IF( A2=B2.
"Well done you have passed", " Sorry you
have failed please try again").
The "value_if_true" and "value_if_false"
values can also be formulas e.g. IF(A2=B2,
C2*D2, E2*F2). When A2=B2 the function then
calculates C2*D2 and returns the value to
the cell. When A2 is not equal to B2 the
function calcuates E2*F2 and return the result
to the cell instead.
How
to use the IF() function:
Type " =IF( "
Enter
the coordinate of the data
cell "A2"
Type an operator
symbol.
Enter the coordinate of the data
cell "B2"
Type a comma.
Enter
the response is the condition
is met "1".
Type a comma.
Enter the response for when the
condition is not met "2".
Type
a ")" then
press the "Enter" key.
Note: If
no argument is entered for the "value_If_false"
value the function will return a value
of zero to the cell when the tested condition
is not met. e.g. IF(A2=B2, 2) = 0when A2
is not equal to B2.
If Function
Applications
The IF function
is...
Nesting IF functions to
perfrom multi-conditional analysis
Using
the IF function in conditional formatting
Using the IF function to create a feedback
quiz in Excel
Using the IF fucntion to "control" the
running of a calculation in excel.
Using the IF function to analyze grades
How
to use the IF() function:
Type " =IF( "
Enter
the coordinate of the data
cell "A2".
Type
the " <
" operator symbol.
Enter the coordinate of the data
cell "B2".
Type a comma.
Enter
the response
"Fail".
Type a comma.
Enter the response "Pass".
Type
a ")" then
press the "Enter" key.
How
to use the IF() function:
Type " =IF( "
Enter
the coordinate of the data
cell "A2"
Type an operator
symbol.
Enter the coordinate of the
data cell "B2"
Type a comma.
Enter the
response is the condition is
met surrounded by quotation
marks.
Type a comma.
Enter the response for when
the condition is not met
surrounded by quotation
marks.
