A logical test in an IF function is a condition or expression that evaluates to either TRUE or FALSE. This TRUE or FALSE result then determines which value the IF function returns.
Think of it as a question you're asking the function: "Is this condition met?" The IF function uses the answer (TRUE or FALSE) to decide what to do next.
Here's a breakdown:
- Purpose: The logical test provides the basis for a decision within the IF function.
- Evaluation: It must result in a Boolean value (TRUE or FALSE).
- Placement: It is the first argument inside the IF function syntax:
IF(logical_test, value_if_true, value_if_false).
Common Logical Tests:
You can create logical tests using comparison operators:
| Operator | Description | Example | Result if A1=10 |
|---|---|---|---|
= |
Equal to | A1=10 |
TRUE |
> |
Greater than | A1>5 |
TRUE |
< |
Less than | A1<5 |
FALSE |
>= |
Greater than or equal to | A1>=10 |
TRUE |
<= |
Less than or equal to | A1<=10 |
TRUE |
<> |
Not equal to | A1<>5 |
TRUE |
Examples in Excel/Google Sheets:
=IF(A1>5, "Yes", "No"): If the value in cell A1 is greater than 5, the function returns "Yes"; otherwise, it returns "No".=IF(B2="Complete", 1, 0): If the text in cell B2 is "Complete", the function returns 1; otherwise, it returns 0.=IF(C3<=D3, "Budget OK", "Over Budget"): If the value in cell C3 is less than or equal to the value in cell D3, the function returns "Budget OK"; otherwise, it returns "Over Budget".
In summary, the logical test is the core of the IF function, providing the TRUE/FALSE condition that dictates the function's output. It allows you to create dynamic formulas that respond to different data conditions.
