How To Utilise The Excel Functions
Truthful And Simulated (Boolean Logic)

Written by co-founder Kasper Langmann, Microsoft Office Specialist.

There are many functions in Microsoft Excel that are provisional by nature. They are based upon logical tests that upshot in either a Truthful or FALSE outcome.

These types of formulas are very powerful in their simplicity.

For example, you lot might manage a sales team. You may need to calculate whether each salesperson qualifies for a bonus.

You could do this past using a formula that returns TRUE or Fake based on some sales threshold.

With that idea in mind, we are going to look at TRUE and FALSE on a deeper level.

*This tutorial is for Excel 2019/Microsoft 365 (for Windows). Got a dissimilar version? No trouble, you can still follow the exact same steps.

Kasper Langmann, Co-founder of Spreadsheeto

Boolean logic

Boolean logic is the formal description for the thought of TRUE and Simulated in this context.

Boolean logic is rooted in the idea of binary logic of 1s and 0s. In that sense, TRUE is synonymous to 1 while FALSE equates to 0.

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Basic concept

The most basic example of Boolean logic in activeness is the IF function in Excel.

Recall that nosotros could set a formula where we test each salesperson's sales figures.

That tin can output the correct commission based on a TRUE or Simulated consequence.

if-formulas

In the previous figure, note that we have an IF formula that tests the sales full values. It tests that against the value in jail cell B4 ($2,000).

If the sales total figure is greater than $two,000, the IF formula results in True.

This is the 2d argument of the formula where we have placed the cell reference $C$4.

If the logical examination comparison the sales total to the benchmark is TRUE, we want 15% to be the result of the formula.

If the formula evaluates to Simulated (meaning the sales total is less than $2,000), the formula will result in ten%.

This is a quick example of how common Boolean logic factors into formulas in Excel.

So, it is a good idea to understand as much well-nigh the nature of TRUE and FALSE in a wide context.

Other examples involving operations

Boolean logic allows usa to understand if a statement is true or false.

While our first case of TRUE and FALSE in action was loftier level, let's await at a simpler example.

For instance, we can blazon a logical expression into a cell as a formula and Excel will render either true or false.

cell-resolution

In that location are several expressions in the previous effigy. They all issue in either TRUE or False.

As long as you enter the expression every bit a formula, Excel volition test them based on the operator. For example:

=(2=two)

Since we know that 2 does equal 2, it follows that Excel returns Truthful every bit the effect. The expression 1 > 0 is also true and Excel confirms this as well.

Notation likewise that nosotros tin can evaluate expressions involving text also every bit calculations. For example:

=("a"="b")

This is a powerful concept to empathize.

Kasper Langmann, Co-founder of Spreadsheeto

The True and Imitation functions

There are True and Simulated functions in Excel too.

For case, if you type "=True()" into a jail cell, it will return the value Truthful.

If you blazon "=FALSE()" it will render FALSE. There is no need to use these functions in standard situations.

They exist for the sake of compatibility with other spreadsheet applications.

That said, it is worth looking at what these functions actually do. All nosotros take washed up to this indicate is explicate the concept behind the True and FALSE functions themselves.

true-false-functions

As nosotros mentioned earlier, Boolean logic is a binary arrangement of 1s and 0s at its core.

This means that TRUE is equal to a value of i while FALSE is 0.

We tin can use this fact to make calculations in formulas. For example, we could perform the following calculations.

true-false-calcs

In the previous effigy, we have a formula that multiplies the result of our TRUE and FALSE formulas by 25.

In the case of TRUE, information technology multiplies 25 past 1. In the case of FALSE, it multiplies 25 by 0.

This tin can be useful when integrated into larger formulas.

Some of these ideas may seem odd and fifty-fifty pointless. But, conditional and logical functions are common in Excel.

Kasper Langmann, Co-founder of Spreadsheeto

Thus, a thorough understanding of Boolean logic is imperative.

Conclusion

We promise that the depth to which we have covered Truthful and FALSE has given you lot a better sense of their affect.

Nosotros believe it can broaden your understanding of Boolean logic and that is integral to edifice stronger formula skills in Excel.