IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples

Video IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples

The IF and IFS functions in Microsoft Excel are two of the logical functions used quite commonly for Microsoft Office users . In simplest terms, the IF / IFS function will return results based on one or several input comparison data.

Note :For examples and syntaxes of the IF and IFS functions below, we use a semicolon ( ; ) to separate, if in case the function reports an error or no output, please replace the semicolon ( ; ) with a comma ( , ).

IF function in Excel

With the IF function in Excel, you can perform a lot of different calculations including conditional formatting. For example, you can use it as an IF to classify students based on GPA, use the IF function to calculate numbers ...

An IF statement will return two results including the first one if the condition is TRUE, and the second one will be executed for the remaining conditions (FALSE).

IF function syntax

= IF ( Condition ; Do something if condition is true ; Do something with the other case )

If the above formula makes you confusing, please refer to the usage and the IF function examples in the content below. 

Some examples in using the IF function

  • The IF function compares text (example): in the example below, cell D2 says: IF (C2 = Yes , then return 1 , otherwise return 2)

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples

  • The IF function compares numbers: for example, in cell D2 says: IF (C2 = 1 , then returns Yes , otherwise returns No )

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples

  • The IF function is larger than:

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples
The formula in cell D2 will be: = IF (C2> B2; "Over Budget"; "In Budget")

  • The IF function returns the result of a mathematical calculation:

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples
The formula in cell D2 will be: = IF (C2> B2; C2-B2; 0)

Use the IF function to check if a cell is blank

Sometimes you need to check if a cell is empty or not, usually because you don't want a formula to display the result without input. In this case, we will use the IF function together with the ISBLANK function :

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples
The formula in cell D2 will be: = IF (ISBLANK (D2); "Blank"; "Not Blank")

In the next example, we will use "" instead of the ISBLANK function. The "" sign essentially means "nothing".

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples
The formula in cell E2 is = IF (D3 = ""; "Blank"; "Not Blank")

In addition, the following is an example of a common method using "" to prevent a formula from performing calculations if an independent cell is empty:

= IF (D3 = ""; ""; Formula)

Explanation : IF (D3 has nothing, it returns no results, otherwise calculates your formula).

IF function nested to combine multiple conditions

While the simple IF function only has two results ( True or False ), the nested IF function can have 3 to 64 results.

= IF (D2 = 1; "YES"; IF (D2 = 2; "No"; "Maybe")

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples

Explain the formula in cell E2: IF (D2 = 1 then return "Yes", otherwise IF (D2 = 2 then return "No", otherwise return "Perhaps") . Note that there are two closing parentheses at the end of the formula to complete both IF functions. If you try to enter a formula without both parentheses, Excel automatically adds the last closing parenthesis for you.

IFS function in Excel

If the IF function alone is enough to use the basic conditions, IFS will make you feel better because IFS will combine multiple IF functions in a single IFS. In other words, instead of using multiple nested IFs, you only need to use IFS.

IFS function syntax

= IFS ( Condition 1 ; Value if DK1 is correct ; Condition 2 ; Value if DK2 is correct ; Condition 3 ; Value if DK3 is true ; .............)

The IFS function can test up to 127 different conditions, but you should not nest too many conditions because it will be difficult to check if errors or data conflicts occur.

Example using IFS function

IF and IFS functions in Excel: Usage and specific examples

The formula for the cells in column B is: = IFS (A2> 89; "A"; A2> 79; "B"; A2> 69; "C"; A2> 59; "D"; TRUE; "F" )

Does that mean:

  • If cells A2> 89, enter A
  • If cell A2> 79, enter B
  • If cell A2> 69, enter C
  • If cells A2> 59, enter D
  • and in other cases, fill in F
Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

Why Checkbox is an underutilized Excel feature?

Why Checkbox is an underutilized Excel feature?

On the surface, Excel Checkboxes seem like a very simple feature - which is probably why they are often overlooked.

Why Excel is the only project management tool you need?

Why Excel is the only project management tool you need?

Many people have tried many project management tools, but still come back to Excel for project management. While it may not be perfect for everyone, it is a simple, yet effective solution that you already know how to use.

Microsoft allows users to use Office applications on Windows for free, but with some limitations.

Microsoft allows users to use Office applications on Windows for free, but with some limitations.

Microsoft recently raised the price of its Microsoft 365 subscription, justifying the change by adding more AI experiences to the service.

TRUNC Function: How to remove decimals and shorten numeric values

TRUNC Function: How to remove decimals and shorten numeric values

There are different ways in Excel to remove decimals and shorten numeric values. In this article, Quantrimang.com will explain how to use the TRUNC function and point out what makes it different from other techniques.

SUBTOTAL Function: Calculates the total value of a filtered list in Excel

SUBTOTAL Function: Calculates the total value of a filtered list in Excel

The sum function when filtering data is very important for Microsoft Excel users. This article will summarize for you how to filter and calculate sum in Excel using Subtotal.

How to Export Airtable to Excel and Google Sheets

How to Export Airtable to Excel and Google Sheets

Airtable lets you create and share relational databases easily. Export your Airtable data to Google Sheets or Excel to enjoy the benefits of advanced charts and data visualization.

Effective ways to use ChatGPT in Excel

Effective ways to use ChatGPT in Excel

Curious about how ChatGPT can enhance your Excel experience? Here are some tips for using ChatGPT in Excel.

How to use the WORKDAY function in Microsoft Excel

How to use the WORKDAY function in Microsoft Excel

In Microsoft Excel, the WORKDAY function is a date and time function and its purpose is to return the date before and after the specified number of working days. Working days do not include weekends or any days defined as holidays.

Why are so many people stopping using Google Sheets and going back to Excel?

Why are so many people stopping using Google Sheets and going back to Excel?

For a while, Google Sheets lured people away from Excel. But many people came back after realizing that Google Sheets is far from beating Excel.

How to use the TREND function in Excel

How to use the TREND function in Excel

You can calculate and visualize trends in Excel using the TREND function. Here's how to use the TREND function in Microsoft Excel.

How to enable and disable macros on Excel

How to enable and disable macros on Excel

The following article will guide readers how to enable and disable macros in Excel 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016.

How to fix the error of printing blank pages in Microsoft Excel

How to fix the error of printing blank pages in Microsoft Excel

How to fix the error of printing blank pages in Microsoft Excel. Why do some Excel documents not display data or contain blank pages when printed? Below are the reasons

How to pin Word, Excel and PowerPoint files to the corresponding app icon on the Windows 11 taskbar

How to pin Word, Excel and PowerPoint files to the corresponding app icon on the Windows 11 taskbar

How to pin Word, Excel and PowerPoint files to the corresponding app icon on the Windows 11 taskbar, How to pin Office files to the taskbar icon on Windows 11? Invite

How to fix the error of not being able to save Excel files on Windows

How to fix the error of not being able to save Excel files on Windows

How to fix the error of not being able to save an Excel file on Windows. If you can't save the Excel file, don't worry too much. Below are ways to fix the error of not being able to save the above Excel file

How to insert a picture into a cell using VBA in Excel

How to insert a picture into a cell using VBA in Excel

How to insert a picture into a cell using VBA in Excel, You can easily insert pictures into Excel spreadsheets and edit them with macro code. Here's how to insert images

How to convert WebP images to PNG, JPG on Chrome, Coc Coc

How to convert WebP images to PNG, JPG on Chrome, Coc Coc

To convert WebP images to PNG and JPG formats, we can do it in many different ways, such as doing it directly on the image URL or using image conversion tools.

4 Ways to Use ChatGPTs Canvas Mode

4 Ways to Use ChatGPTs Canvas Mode

ChatGPT's new Canvas mode adds a new dimension to writing and editing in the world's leading Generative AI engine.

Things People Dislike Most About AI Photo Editors

Things People Dislike Most About AI Photo Editors

While AI photo editors can streamline your editing workflow significantly, they are not perfect. There are a few things users don’t like about them, and in today’s article, you’ll discover what they are.

Fix Google Play Store not automatically updating apps

Fix Google Play Store not automatically updating apps

When the Play Store doesn't update apps automatically, users risk missing out on new features, security patches, and bug fixes. Luckily, you can configure the Google Play Store to update your apps automatically using these steps.

Nintendo revolutionizes the way digital games are shared with Virtual Game Cards

Nintendo revolutionizes the way digital games are shared with Virtual Game Cards

In a move that completely changes the way digital games are distributed, Nintendo has officially introduced the Virtual Game Cards system at the Nintendo Direct event.

Instructions for sending files on Messenger on phone and computer

Instructions for sending files on Messenger on phone and computer

Besides sending photos on Messenger, users can now send files on the application to others, with all document file formats such as pdf, doc, xlx...

How to add subtitles, lyrics automatically on CapCut

How to add subtitles, lyrics automatically on CapCut

CapCut also has the option to insert video subtitles like some famous video subtitling applications. Then the application automatically recognizes the sound and voice in the video, then displays it in the video.

Difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi

Difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi

You've decided to replace your old router. When you unbox your new wireless router, you may wonder why there are two networks: 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Is the 5GHz network stronger? What's the difference?

Top 10 best internet security software today

Top 10 best internet security software today

These days, users can pay to protect all their devices – whether it’s a PC, Mac, or smartphone. But with so many options on the market today, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a list of the best internet security suites available today.

Why is Adobe Express the ultimate tool for digital artists and creators?

Why is Adobe Express the ultimate tool for digital artists and creators?

With a wealth of tools for digital creators, Adobe Express is the ultimate all-in-one creative tool for everyone—and it's not going anywhere.

How to turn Gmail into a desktop application

How to turn Gmail into a desktop application

For more convenience in using Gmail, you can turn Gmail into an application on your computer without having to access it manually anymore.

Latest Thien Nhai Minh Nguyet Dao Code and how to enter code

Latest Thien Nhai Minh Nguyet Dao Code and how to enter code

Code Thien Nhai Minh Nguyet Dao helps players not feel bored when first joining the game.

7 Reasons Why Hapic Is Becoming a Favorite Free Photo Editor

7 Reasons Why Hapic Is Becoming a Favorite Free Photo Editor

From the owner and developer of TikTok and CapCut, Hypic is a photo editing app that many people use on their phones, and there are plenty of reasons why it's a favorite.

Creating a water battery that is cheaper, recyclable and doesnt explode

Creating a water battery that is cheaper, recyclable and doesnt explode

Scientists at RMIT University in Melbourne (Australia) have created a recyclable water battery by replacing the dangerous chemical electrolytes used in conventional batteries with water.

How many days on Earth is one day on the Moon?

How many days on Earth is one day on the Moon?

The time for the Moon to revolve around the Earth is about 27.3 days, while the Earth rotates once around its axis in 24 hours (one day - night).