Paul Wherly

How to us the IF Statement in Microsoft Excel 2013

In this blog I show you how to the IF Statement in Microsoft Excel 2013

IF Function (IF Statement)

An If function asks Excel to consider if something is true or false. If it is true it will return one answer, if it is false it will return a different answer.

For example: Can my company afford to buy 10 new computers? There are 2 possible outcomes -if it is within the budget then the answer is “yes”, if it is outside of the budget then the answer is “no”.

The structure of an IF Function

IfStatementFormula

The structure of an IF statement always contains the same five elements.

  • Starts with =IF(
  • The Logical Test followed by a comma
  • What to do if the logical test is True followed by a comma
  • What to do if the logical test is False
  • Close brackets

To make this IF function easier to understand the logical test is in one colour, the true part is in another colour and the false part is in a third colour.

Operators you can use in a Logical Test

IfStatementTable1

Typing in an IF Function

Structure of an IF Statement

Figure – structure of an IF statement

  1. Click in the cell where you want the answer
  2. Type in the =IF(
  3. Type in your logical test
  4. Type a comma
  5. Type in what Excel must do if this is true
  6. Type a comma
  7. Type in what Excel must do if this is false
  8. Close the brackets
  9. Press Enter

If Excel is to display text for the true or false result then you must enclose the text in inverted commas.

You can also put a formula in the IF statement for the True or False result.

For example:

I want to know how much bonus each member of staff will receive:

=IF(B2>$H$1,C2*$h$2,0)

 

Working out the bonus amount

Figure – working out the bonus amount

 

Happy Learning!

Shelley Fishel

This topic has been taken from my free eBook on Microsoft Excel Core: Advanced 2013 which can be downloaded here:

excel-2013-core-part-ii (1)

To find out more about our training and to discuss your organisation’s learning needs, give us a call on 020 8203 1774 or email us enquiries@theittrainingsurgery.com – we would love to chat.

 

 

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