Excel IF Function (Branch on TRUE/FALSE) – Examples & Practice
Practice the Excel IF function online with an interactive grid, instant feedback, and clear formula help.
Instruction
If A2 is at least 85 return "Pass"; otherwise return "Retry".
Formula Syntax
=IF(logical_test, value_if_true, value_if_false)
- logical_test: Any expression that evaluates to TRUE or FALSE.
- value_if_true: Result when the test is TRUE.
- value_if_false: Result when the test is FALSE.
What it does
IF chooses between two outcomes based on a logical test. It is the building block of conditional logic in spreadsheets. Combine IF with AND/OR for multi-condition rules.
Excel IF Function Examples
Simple pass/fail
=IF(A2>=85, "Pass", "Retry")
Returns text based on a numeric threshold.
Numeric bonus
=IF(B2>100, B2*1.1, B2)
Applies a raise only when a target is exceeded.
IF with AND
=IF(AND(A2>0, B2>0), A2*B2, 0)
Multiplies only when both inputs are positive.
logical-checks.xlsx
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Score | Attendance % | Approved |
| 2 | 92 | 96 | Yes |
| 3 | 78 | 88 | No |
| 4 | 85 | 91 | Yes |
| 5 | 66 | 84 | No |
| 6 | 90 | 93 | Yes |
| 7 | Output |
Input Formula
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Tips
- Keep tests simple; push complexity into helper columns when needed.
- Align boundary rules with stakeholders (>= vs >).
- Consider IFS for many tiers without deep nesting.
IF Function Use Cases
- Grading, approvals, and threshold KPIs
- Apply surcharges or discounts conditionally
- Clean data by replacing sentinel values
- Gate calculations to avoid divide-by-zero
- Prototype business rules before moving to IFS
Common mistakes - IF function not working
- Deep nested IF ladders that nobody can audit
- Mismatched parentheses across nested IF
- Returning numbers as text accidentally
- Using IF when IFS or SWITCH is clearer
- Forgetting to handle ties at boundaries (>= vs >)
FAQ
Can IF return a formula?
Yes. You can return values produced by other formulas in the value_if_true or value_if_false arguments.
How many IFs can I nest?
Excel allows deep nesting, but readability drops quickly; consider IFS or SWITCH for many branches.
Does IF short-circuit?
Excel evaluates both result arguments in many cases; avoid heavy calculations in both branches if possible.
Can IF work with dates?
Yes. Compare dates with operators like >= and return date values or text labels.
IF vs IFS?
IF handles one test. IFS handles multiple ordered tests in one function.
Comparison
| Approach | Best for |
|---|---|
| IF | One binary decision |
| IFS | Many ordered tests |
| SWITCH | Matching exact values |
Example
=IF(A2>=85, "Pass", "Retry")
Advanced examples
IF + IFERROR
Wrap fragile lookups:
=IFERROR(VLOOKUP(...), "Missing")
See IFERROR for dedicated error handling.