| Syntax |
| =IF(logical_test,[value_if_true],[value_if_false]) |
| Purpose / Description |
| Returns one of two possible results, conditional upon the value of the first argument. Used for the simplest conditional logic where there are only two possible outcomes. |
| Arguments |
| logical_test |
logical |
A constant, reference or expression that indicates which of the two values passed as value_if_true or value_if_false is returned as the function’s result. |
| [value_if_true] |
any |
An optional constant, reference or expression that derives the value returned if the value of logical_test is TRUE. If omitted the value returned will be the number value . |
| [value_if_false] |
any |
An optional constant, reference or expression that derives the value returned if the value of logical_test is FALSE. If omitted the value returned will be the logical value FALSE. |
| Return Values |
| any |
|
If logical_test is TRUE, returns the value of the value_if_true argument otherwise, returns the value of the value_if_false argument. Can return all value types and range references. |
| error |
#VALUE! |
If the value type of logical_test is not a logical value and cannot be coerced to a logical value. |
| error |
|
Any errors referenced by arguments are returned due to propagation of error values. |
| Notes / Comments / Advice / Warnings |
| Comment: |
Although value_if_true and value_if_false are both shown as optional, only one may be omitted. The omission of an argument in an IF function can’t be properly justified in a worksheet setting. The option to omit was provided for its use in the old XLM macro language. |
| Advice: |
IF functions usually have logical expressions nested, such as comparing a cell to a value or calculated value, such as A1<=10. Sometimes, those nested logical expressions can be needlessly complex or lead to enormous redundancy in calculation . Consider increasing transparency by use of logical expressions independently of IF functions. |
| Advice: |
There is a tendency to overuse nesting of IF functions. Our recommendation is broadly, no more than two IF functions in a single formula, if it seems more are required, there is a more effective approach. Consider IFS, SWITCH or CHOOSE for a handful of conditions. Consider a lookup or reference where there are many conditions. |
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