IF Function

Use IF function to perform a logical test on a cell value. If it finds the test to be true, then Excel will
return whatever value, formula, or function you specify. And if it finds the test to be false, Excel will
return whatever value, formula, or function you specify.

1. Click in the cell where you want the answer to appear.

2. Click the Insert Function button in the formula bar.
3. Select the IF function from the Insert Function box.

4. Logical_test is any value or expression that can be evaluated as TRUE or FALSE.

 For example, M3>68 is a logical expression.
 The expression evaluates the value in cell M3 if it is greater than 68, and then returns either
a TRUE or FALSE result.

5. Value_if_true is the value that Excel enters on the spreadsheet if the Logical_test is TRUE.
This return value can be a number, a text string, a formula, or even another function. In the
example above, Excel will type the text <Pass>.

6. Value_if_false is the value that Excel enters on the spreadsheet if the Logical_test is FALSE.
This return value can be a number, a text string, a formula, or even another function. In the
example above, Excel will type the text <Fail>.

7. The formula bar will also contain

the function in a “formula format”.

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IF Functions (Nested)
As a general rule of thumb, the arguments of functions will allow you to enter a number, a cell
reference, a formula, a text string, or indeed another function (which is called: nesting).

1. Open the IF function on the spreadsheet.

2. Enter the Logical_test expression as required.

3. Click in the Value_if_true argument.

4. From the Name box, click the arrowhead to open a sub-menu.

5. Select the IF function.

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6. A new IF Function Arguments box will open, and will be nested in the Value_if_true argument.

Original IF Value_if_true (nested) IF

7. Fill in the Value_if_true IF function as required. But do not click the OK button.

8. Rather than clicking the OK button, go to the formula syntax and select the “original” IF function.

9. This will open the first (original) IF function. You will see the second IF function nested in the
Value_if_true argument box.

10. Click in the Value_if_false argument box and repeat steps #4 and #5 as outlined on page 9.

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