Comments on: Google Sheets IF function - usage and formula examples

Get to know Google Sheets IF function better with this tutorial: when it's used, how it works and how it contributes to a much simpler data processing. Formula examples are included! Continue reading →

Comments page 10. Total comments: 610

  1. Hi,

    I'm looking for some help creating an if-then statement in google docs with conditional formatting. I'd like to populate column E with a 1 or 2 depending on the info in column C. For example, if the name "Cook" is listed in column C then I would need column E to have a 1. Additionally, if column C is Cook or Enright or Sanchez then I would need to mark a 1. TIA!

    1. Hi Lee,

      If I understand your task correctly, place the following to E2 assuming your data starts in C2:
      =IF(OR(C2="Cook",C2="Enright",C2="Sanchez"),1,2)

      As for conditional formatting, it lets you color cells based on conditions. You can learn more about it in this blog post.

      1. Thank you so much! I had the first part correct and appreciate your help! You're awesome

  2. my formula is =IF(C2="Joe Bloggs","Maddie Bloggs","Annie Bloggs") but I want it also be the case if C2=Katy Bloggs and if C2=Rachel Bloggs. How would that look please?

    1. Annie,

      try this one:
      =IF(OR(C2="Joe Bloggs",C2="Katy Bloggs",C2="Rachel Bloggs"),"Maddie Bloggs","Annie Bloggs")

  3. Hi there, I am attempting to create a formula to lengthen the text imputed. ie: dpst = DPST PENDING(c), under conditional format rules, with highlighting & bold font.. I have custom fomula selecte w/ =if (L2="dpst"," "DPST PENDING") apply to range K2:M2.
    I also in the same sheet am trying to create if "conf" is payment type(F), $0.00 balance (O) is due, if Cash, crcd, chk is used, Subtotal (m) - amt pd (N) is balance due (O).
    I have came up w/ =ifs(F4="conf",0,F4="cash","crcd","chk",M4-N4).
    But nothing is working. Please help!! Much appreciated!!

    1. Hi Susan,

      I'm sorry, your conditions for the second formula are quite confusing.

      For us to understand your case and check the formulas, please share your sample spreadsheet with us (support@4-bits.com) with your data and the result you expect to get. I kindly ask you to shorten the tables to 10-20 rows.

      Since we keep that email for file sharing only, once you share the file, please confirm by replying to my comment here.
      Thank you.

  4. I want to make a cell time and date stamp if another cell has text. For example, I am having employees enter in marketing information and I want Google Sheets to tell me exactly when they entered in that specific data point. Something like "If cell E2 has text, then cell G2 get's a time and date stamp."

    I thought I might be able to do this with conditional formatting but that is not the case. I'm looking for the easiest fix here with the least amount of code.

    1. Jeff,

      The only function that would return you the date time stamp is NOW. However, the function is volatile - it recalculates itself in all cells each time anything is edited in the sheet. Thus, the standard formula is not an option here, I'm afraid. You need to use scripts to solve the task.

      You may try to find the solution here - an overview of Google Apps Script with a lot of helpful content and links:
      https://developers.google.com/apps-script/overview

      Sorry I'm not able to assist you better at the moment.

  5. What is wrong with this IF statement, "=if(=and(B2 - C2 0) "Close Democrat", =if(=and(B2 - C2 5), "Moderate Democrat", =if(b2 - c2 > 7, "Extreme Democrat", =if(=and(B2 - C2 = -5), "Close Republican", =if(=and(B2 - c2 = -10), "Moderate Republican", =if(B2-C2 <= -10, "Extreme Republican"))))))"
    The error message reads, "Formula Parse Error". The purpose of this IF statement is to check certain percentage differences and give different responses based on them.

    1. Mark,

      You have obsolete equal signs before each IF and AND. Also, the arguments for AND are written incorrectly. Your formula should look like this:
      =IF(AND(B2=0,C2=0),"Close Democrat",IF(AND(B2=5,C2=5),"Moderate Democrat",IF... so on

      Please look through examples above to learn more about the IF formula.

  6. I have a Google Sheet that has multiple tabs.
    If "Head of Household" is entered in Column E on Tab 1, then I want it to bring over the information entered in Column C & D to Tab 2 Columns C & D.
    I also do not want any blanks, so I want Tab 2 to only be Head of Household names listed on Tab 1.

    1. William,

      It looks like VLOOKUP is the function for your task. This is the function one should use when searching for value in one column and pulling the corresponding info from other columns.

  7. Please help. I'm trying to write an if/then formula based on a count. Count the number of cells in a given row range (G1:Z1) with the text 'Completed' then multiple the number by 3.

  8. If the result for Thu, Aug 22, 2019 (1262) was bigger than Wed, Aug 21, 2019 (1124) to highlight the result in a custom colour or if the result is worse - highlight the result in another custom colour.

    1. Thank you for another explanation, Nikola.

      It's a pity the way offered before didn't work as you need.
      I'm passing your task to the same tech specialist - hope he'll be able to help!

      1. Nikola,

        Please try these formulas in your conditional formatting:
        for when yesterday is > than the day before
        =AND($A1=TODAY()-1,OFFSET($B1,-1,0)<$B1)

        and for when yesterday is < than the day before
        =AND($A1=TODAY()-1,OFFSET($B1,-1,0)>$B1)

  9. Hello Natalia,
    Thank you for your response!

    Take a look at this example of my sheet:
    Column A Column B
    Mon, Aug 12, 2019 1695
    Tue, Aug 13, 2019 1463
    Wed, Aug 14, 2019 1395
    Thu, Aug 15, 2019 1325
    Fri, Aug 16, 2019 1267
    Sat, Aug 17, 2019 1396
    Sun, Aug 18, 2019 1100
    Mon, Aug 19, 2019 1510
    Tue, Aug 20, 2019 1238
    Wed, Aug 21, 2019 1124
    Thu, Aug 22, 2019 1262

    I would like to use conditional formatting to highlight when -> my yesterday result was better/worse than the day before.
    If yesterday is < than the day before, show RED

  10. Hello, some help here?

    1. Hello Nikola,

      Your task is not an easy one, and I've forwarded it to our tech team. As soon as I have a solution, I'll reply right away.
      Sorry for the inconvenience.

      1. Thank you!
        Looking for your response.

        1. Nikola,

          Here's what we've got for now:
          1) =AND($A1<$A2,$A1=$A2-1,$B1>$B2)
          This formula makes sure that the date in A2 is greater than in A1 but the corresponding number is A2 is less than in A1. If your data to compare starts in A1, skip it and apply the formula to your table starting from A2.

          2) =AND($A1<$A2,$A1=$A2-1,$B1>$B2)
          This one does the same but also checks if the difference between dates is 1 day only.

          If these are not exactly what you need, please share a sample spreadsheet with us (support@4-bits.com) with a short example table and the result you expect to get. We don’t monitor the Inbox of that email though, so please confirm by replying here once you share the file. Thank you.

  11. Hello,
    I have a sheet with 2 columns with 1 with dates and 1 with amount regarding the date.
    I need a formula which can highlight which was grater from yesterday or the day before.
    Something like this :If yesterday is < than the day before, show RED
    Any suggestions?

    1. Hello Nikola,

      I'm sorry I'm a bit confused. What "amount regarding the date" do you mean? Can you please give me the examples of what A1 and B1 may contain?
      Am I getting it clear that you need to highlight either A1 or B1 based on your condition?

      1. Hello,
        Column A - Column B
        date 1
        date 2
        date 5
        date 8
        date 9

        I would like to use conditional formatting to highlight when -> my yesterday result was better/worse than the day before.
        If yesterday is < than the day before, show RED

  12. Hello :-)
    I want to have my overtime hours update automatically.
    i first tried to use for an example:
    =IF(H14>12,H14-12,0)
    I write it in the I14 cell where i have my overtime. hours over 12 hours.
    But I get an error, but I also do that when I try the one from the article above "=IF(E2>200,E2*0.1,0)"

    Best regards Brian

  13. If using the Check mark on GSheet, care we able to create an "IF" formula, if checked the line moves to the top of the list'?

    1. Alejandra,

      If I'm getting your task correctly, I believe you'd better use a filter in Sheets. The IF function cannot move the lines, it only returns some values based on the other cell contents. But with a filter, you can quickly sort the lines so that all checked cells are at the top. Please refer to this article for more details.

  14. i am creating a profit loss spreadsheet for matched betting
    The following columns are used in my calculation
    E Is the bet type as a drop down box
    H Is the commission value
    J is the odds
    K is the stake
    L is the liabilty
    M is the result Win or lose drop down box choice
    N is the profit and loss

    So if
    the bet type is Trigger and the result is win then Profit = odds*stake - profit/100*commission
    the bet type is Trigger and the result is lose the profit =stake*-1
    the bet type is free and the result is win then Profit = odds*stake-profit/100*commission-stake
    the bet type is Free and the result is lose then Profit =Liability*-1 - profit/100*commission

    I have no idea how to write these multiple choice formulas using the choices in the dropdown boxes there are 4 outcomes depending on the choices made in the drop down boxes
    can anybody help

    1. Hi Danny,

      It doesn't matter whether there are plain values or dropdowns in cells - the formula will work with whatever cells display.

      It looks like you need to build nested IF formula. We mentioned it in the very last point of this topic.
      So your formula should look like this:
      =IF(AND(E2="Trigger",M2="win"),J2*K2-N2/100*H2, IF(AND(E2="Trigger",M2="lose"),K2*-1, IF(..., IF(...))))

      You need to replace dots with your remaining conditions and copy the formula down to other cells of the column with a formula - everything should work.

  15. I am trying to do a tool inventory sheet that takes my weekly production and divides it by my tool life which equals how many tools I need for the week, I then subtract the current inventory I have in house for a number of tools to put on order. My equation works, but some numbers come out negative, these numbers I need rounded to zero, some numbers are positive decimals, these I need rounded up to the next whole number. I am not sure how to tell google sheets that if it is negative to round to zero, if it is a positve decimal then round to the nearest whole number.

    1. Hello Sara,

      The first formula that comes to mind is this:
      =IF(A2<0,0,ROUND(A2,2))

      A2 can be replaced with formulas you use to calculate the total numbers.

  16. I have one column that is debits, one that is credits and one that gives the balance. How would I write a formula for the balance column to subtract the debit column from the balance column IF there's an amount entered, and to add the credit column with the balance column IF there's an amount entered? I'm sure this is probably quite simple and straightforward, but I just can't seem to see it. Thank you to anyone and everyone that can help me.

    1. Hello Doug,

      I'm sorry, but the conditions are a bit confusing.
      Which columns exactly you want to check for the amount entered before adding and subtracting?
      Also, you can't place a formula to the balance column AND use the values from this column for calculations at the same time. Cells in Google Sheets may contain either text/numbers or formulas.

      1. Hi Natalia, thank you for the reply back! I'll do my best to explain since I can't add a screenshot here. So I've got three columns, column F is my Debit field, column G is my Credit field and column H is my balance field. Each column is titled as such too in Row 1. So my first Deposit entry is on Row 2 of the G column, the Crefit column. I have it set up much like a bank ledger would be, but I'm using it to track my toll charges for the road I use to get to and back from work. Their system is horrible and some toll charges take forever to post. Makes their balance seem like I still have more money then I do on the accountthan I actually do. That's just a little background on what and why I'm doing this. I have a separate column for the tolls not charged yet, got that one figured out no pro bb lem. Ok, so after my deposit entry, my first two Rows are tolls that they haven't charged for yet and are blank in the Debit and of course blank in the Credit field. So my formula is put into H3. H again is the balance field. The formula I have there now is, =H2-F3+G3. Since I have no dollar amount input to either the Debit field (F column) or the Credit field (G column) it basically carries the original deposit amount down to the next box instead of leaving it blank. The third row has a dollar amount that was charged, so going down the balance column it goes $50.00, $50.00, $50.00 then subtracts the next debit input on row 5 of $1.07 and balance comes out to the correct $48.93 amount. It goes like this down the entire coulmn. So, what I want to do is instead of the balance repeating itself in the rows where there is not Deit or Credit input I want that corresponding box in the Balance column to remain blank, till it sees a dollar amount input. From what I've seen in searching the web on how make it accomplish this, it seems that Google sheets has this IF feature that would do this for me but I just can't seem to get it to work. Don't know if I'm just doing it wrong or the things I've found searching the net on how to make this work is incorrect. Hopefully I've explained in better detail on what it is I'm trying to and just didn't make it even more confusing for anyone. Thanks again for any help you may be able to give.

        1. This is the latest formula I've tried but it comes back as a formula parse error.

          =IF(OR(ISBLANK(G3),ISBLANK(H3),"",I2-G3+H3)

          1. Doug,

            I appreciate the detailed explanation, but there are still some points I'm not sure about in order to replicate everything correctly.
            Please share your sample spreadsheet with us (support@4-bits.com) with your source data and the result you expect to get. I kindly ask you to shorten the tables to 10-20 rows.
            Note. We keep that email for file sharing only and don't monitor its Inbox. Please do not email there. Once you share the file, just confirm by replying here.

            We'll look into your task and try to come up with a formula. Thank you.

  17. I'm trying to create a way to have a cell copy another cell from a different tab depending on what you type in. For instance if you type 5, it will copy a specific cell from a separate sheets page, or even a specific cell from the same page. If you type 6 it will copy a different cell. Thanks

    1. Brian,

      If you're trying to do this in the same cell, I'm afraid it's impossible. Any formulas you'll have in cells will be overwritten with whatever you're trying to enter to the same cells.

      However, you can use a helper column, e.g. keep column A for numbers to enter, fill column B with formulas to return the result based on the number in A.
      So, if you type 5 to A1, have B1 return the necessary cell with a formula like this:
      =IF(A1=5,Sheet2!G1,"")

      Feel free to read more about referencing other sheets in this article.

  18. I'm trying to make a function combining the following functions:

    IF(N3=8,N3=16,N3=24,N3=32,N3<=40), "Extreme", " ")

    All work on their own, I just cannot figure out how to combine them.
    How can I do that? Can it be done?

    1. It didn't post the formulas right. I want it to be like this:

      If the value is between 0 and 7, it says Subclinical. If it is between 8 and 15, Mild. 16 and 23, Moderate. 24 and 31, Severe. and 32 and 40, Extreme.

      1. Thank you for the clarification, Rubie.

        Here's your formula:
        =IF(AND(N3>=0,N3<=7),"Subclinical",IF(AND(N3>=8,N3<=15),"Mild",IF(AND(N3>=16,N3<=23),"Moderate",IF(AND(N3>=24,N3<=31),"Severe",IF(AND(N3>=32,N3<=40),"Extreme","")))))

        To be able to build these nested formulas, please read through the last part of the article: IF in combination with other functions

  19. There is payment Method Red/Blue/Green/Yellow, Greatger Amt 1000 then charge should be 1.05, Amount less than 1000 charge should be .10

    1. I'm sorry, Ranajit, but your task is not clear.

      Please add delimiters into your sample so we could understand where new cells start, for example:
      Payment method | Condition | Amount |
      Red | Greater than 1000.01 | 1.05 |

      Also, would you like to simply return the amount of the charge or calculate it somehow right away? Please describe your task in more details.
      We'll see if we can help.

  20. Hi Laura,

    I need help on creating a formula for my google sheets. It's an inventory by the way. I want this formula to highlight a cell on the first sheet after it comparing from the second sheet. The first sheet would be the seat plan, while the second is the inventory. If the inventory shows that a certain seat doesn't have any desktop deployed, the corresponding seat on the first sheet would be highlighted with red, otherwise green. Appreciate your help on this, many thanks!

  21. Hello,
    I am trying to use this formula to tell me YES or NO. So if Column C has a date, then I am trying to have Column D tell me YES or NO if that date is 60 days away from that date this year 6/17/2019?
    (i.e. ColumnC= 8/17/2018 then I would like ColumnD to populate YES because the date is within 60 days of that same day this year.) Am I using the correct method with IF, and if you can you assist with setting it up correctly because everything I am trying is giving me an error?
    Thank you!

    1. Hello Laura,

      If I understand your task correctly and column C contains only dates before today's day, this formula should help:
      =IF((DATEDIF(C2,TODAY(),"YD"))<=60,"YES","NO")

      However, if column C may contain future dates, you need another more complicated formula:
      =DATEDIF(IF(DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),MONTH(C3),DAY(C3))>TODAY(),TODAY(),DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),MONTH(C3),DAY(C3))),IF(DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),MONTH(C3),DAY(C3))>TODAY(),DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),MONTH(C3),DAY(C3)),TODAY()),"YD")

      If it's too difficult for you, you could use our Date & Time Wizard, but at the moment it's available for Excel only.

      1. Good morning Natalia,
        Thank you so much for your help! It definitely got me in the right direction. I think the formula isn't working for what I need it to do however. When I added the formula to my sheet it populated YES for every date, even ones that are less than one year ago. So this is never going to have a date in the future it's only going to be past dates but I am basically trying to make a sheet tell me if that date is less than one year old from today's date or more than one year old. Will an IF THEN work for this problem?

        1. Good morning Laura,

          Based on your first example, I thought the year is not important and you want to compare days and months only. If you'd like to consider the year as well, here's another formula:
          =IF((DATEDIF(C1,TODAY(),"M"))<12,"YES","NO")

  22. I've been looking for a way to do If statements with Filter(). I know I've done it before, but now I just get error messages. =IF('Totals'!F1='Mesa', filter(Mesa!A:D, Mesa!A:A >= Totals!B1, Mesa!A:A = Totals!B1, All!A:A <= Totals!D1),""))

    1. Jeff,

      At first glance, there's one extra closing bracket at the end of your formula. Single quotes at the beginning are also excess:
      =IF(Totals!F1="Mesa",Filter(Mesa!A:A,Mesa!A:A>=Totals!B1,Mesa!A:A=Totals!B1,All!A:A<=Totals!D1),"")

  23. If A2 cell data is entered then B2 should be entered if no it should display error message "please fill b2 cell" what is the formula for this

  24. Hi, I am trying to sum up all the data marked WEB, MOBILE, or APP in every account per day. I have used sumif before to sum up all the data perday in a single column. I cant really explain it through words. Can I just share my draft to you? Thanks.

    1. Hi Amor,

      yes, you can create a sample file with your data and formulas you tried to use. Please include the example of the result you'd like to get. Once ready, you can share the file with support@4-bits.com.

      Note. We keep this account for file sharing only and don't monitor its Inbox. Please do not email there. Once you share the file, just confirm in this message thread.

      I'll look into your task.

  25. Your example of this function was the best out there. Thank you!! Shorty

  26. In one sheet, I have types of expenditures and their value.

    I wish to have a summary on another sheet that will have a table showing the total spend on each type of expenditure. For example,

    Taxi xxx
    Groceries xxx

  27. Hi, I am trying to create a custom formula that will turn the cell red if the following cells on that row equal a different amount, this is an employee/client spreadsheet, so for example in column A, row 4 and downwards are the client's names, in column B row 4 and downwards is the expected duration of the client's job and in column's C-H row 3 are the employee names and I just fill the decimal time in the sheet below the names corresponding to the client. I have added a conditional format on each cell in column B using Not equal to function and in the value box I have entered =SUMC4:H4, but when I try and copy this into the cells below it gives me the same value for Row 4, I have done this manually but the problem is the spread is divided vertically by Monday to Friday and if I add a new row for a new client or new column for a new employee then the whole sheet shifts and the formulas no longer calculate the correct line? I am new to using sheets and apologise if I am being stupid but please help.

    1. Hi Dan,

      For us to be able to help, please share your sample spreadsheet with us (support@4-bits.com) with your source data and the result you expect to get. I kindly ask you to shorten the table to 10-20 rows.

      Note. We keep support@4-bits.com for file sharing only and don't monitor its Inbox. Please do not email there. Once you share the file, just reply to this message.

      I'll look into the task and see if there's a simple solution for you.

  28. Hi, instead of just creating if for a cell, I want to create for an entire row. how do i input a range instead of a single cell? basically i want to create a formula in A1 cell such that if any of the row of celss from B1 to Z1 have "Apple", "Banana" or "Cucumber" written in the cell, I want A1 cell to show "No", if the cell contains anything else, i want A1 cell to show "Yes". Can please help?

    1. Hi Jessica,

      Try this one in A1:
      =IF(OR(COUNTIF(B1:Z1,"Apple")>0,COUNTIF(B1:Z1,"Banana")>0,COUNTIF(B1:Z1,"Cucumber")>0),"No","Yes")

  29. I
    I am trying to input a formula for the following on google sheets without success & would really like some help please. I have 3 columns A, B & C containing figures. I need a formula to input into column C so that it calculates the following:-
    If column A is greater than column B then amount in Column C is 0. If Column B is greater than column A then the amount needs to show in column C.
    Thank you

    1. Hi Debbie,

      If column C already contains numbers, your formula will overwrite everything.
      I suppose your data starts in the second row. Place the following to C2:
      =IF(A2>B2,0,B2)

      And copy the formula down other cells.

      It returns 0 whenever A is greater than B. In other cases when B is more than or equal to A, the amount from B will be returned to C.

      Please let us know if you have any other questions.

      1. Hi
        Many thanks for getting back to me. The Formula you have stated works for the first part of my query whereupon if A is greater than B then column C states 0. However I need to add to this to show if Column B is greater than column A then it deducts the amount & shows the balance in Column C eg. B-A=C (10-5=5) if that makes sense but I don’t know how to add that into the formula. Could you please help?
        Eg. Column A states 10.00 Column B states 11.00 then column C should state 1.00
        Eg. Column A states 5.00, Column B states 4.00 then Column C should state 0.00
        Many thanks
        Debbie

        1. Hi Debbie,
          Thank you for the clarification.

          I've adjusted the formula for you:
          =IF(A2>B2,0,B2-A2)

          If A2 is greater than B2, it will return 0. Otherwise (if A2 is less than B2 OR if they are equal), it will substitute A2 from B2 and return the result.

          Or use the formula below to keep cells empty if A and B are equal:
          =IF(A2>B2,0,IF(A2<B2,B2-A2,""))

          Please read the last two paragraphs of the article above to understand how to build these formulas.

          1. That’s great Thankyou. Much appreciated ??

  30. Hi,
    Cant use this to know when was the data is updated. =if(a1="",0,NOW())
    Everytime i update other cell. All cell that was edited before also updates to NOW().

    1. Hi Paul,

      The NOW() function is a volatile one, meaning it recalculates itself in all cells once anything at all is edited in your spreadsheet.

      1. Can you help me to make a formula for this? Thank you.

        1. Am I getting it clear that you'd like to put a time(date?)stamp based on when the cell is filled?
          For example, if A1 has nothing in it, B1 doesn't show anything.
          Once the data in A1 is entered, B1 shows the time (or date?) of when A1 was filled. And you need to keep this time/date the next time you open and edit the file.
          Am I right?

          1. Yes.

  31. Im trying to do an if statment that will allow the cell to change fill color on sheets. I have figured out the if, now i just need something like a than. Any thoughts on what i should do?

    1. Hello Nickyc,

      The IF function is usually used to return values into cells. If your task is to color cells differently based on various conditions, you need to create a couple of conditional formatting rules. Please refer to this article to check how to do that correctly.

  32. How do I get the value of F2, to show up in H2, when G2 is blank? It is showing up FALSE currently.
    =IF(OR(G2=5,G2=10,G2=15),"NT", IF(G2="BLANK",F2))

    1. Nikki,

      here's a formula for you to try in H2:
      =IF(OR(G2=5,G2=10,G2=15),"NT",IF(ISBLANK(G2)=TRUE,F2,""))

  33. Data from a sheet which has data of two products. The graphs for both products need to be different. How is this possible? the graph plotted for the value of a certain value in the graph. the sheet contacts a column for product and for the value specified in the previous sentence.

  34. Hi I need a formula for if column A is populated (by a date), then column D will show a date 3 days later and column E will show a date 21 days later. Can this be done?

    1. Hi Janel,

      If I understand your task correctly and cells in column A contain either date or nothing at all, the following formula will do for column D (assuming the data starts from the second row):
      =IF(ISBLANK($A2),"",$A2+3)

      And here's the one for column E:
      =IF(ISBLANK($A2),"",$A2+21)

      You need to copy the formula down to other rows. The formulas won't return anything if cells in A are blank.

      Or you can use the array formula like this in D2 (adjust accordingly for E2):
      =ARRAYFORMULA(IF(ISBLANK($A:$A),"",$A:$A+3))

      It will automatically calculate the result for each row of your table.

  35. Couldn't find an example like the situation I'm in, so what I'm looking to do is see how many instances of a cell exist in a range based on if an associate of that cell equals a specific phrase, in essence I'm looking to do something like this; if(A2,"Phrase") then countif($A$3:$A$1500,A3). I keep running into a different size error, any thoughts on how what I'm looking to do could be done?

    1. I tried to build a sample formula based on what you described, and this one worked for me:
      =IF(A2="Phrase",COUNTIF($A$3:$A$1000,A3),"")

      Please specify if I've got something wrong.

  36. I have a spreadsheet of data based on testing of kids. I have the cells programmed to meet our criteria =IF(AND(F5>80%, G5>=1, H5>=1), "X" , " ") My problem is that the next three columns =IF(AND(F5>80%, G5>=1, H5>=1), "X" , " ") build on that same data and I can't figure out how to only have one column with an "X" Ideally, I would only like the highest column to have the X, not all. Thank you for any help you can share.

    1. Correction: The first column has: =IF(AND(F5>80%, G5>=1, H5>=1), "X" , " ")
      The second column has: =IF(AND(F5=100%, G5>=2, H5>=2), "X" , " ")
      As you can see, if I child had 100% in F5, they meet the criteria for both columns, but we really only want the highest one to have the "X".

      1. I believe adjusting the condition a bit will help you. You need to exclude that 100% from your first formula. Just add one more AND that will check that F5 is both greater than 80 but less than 100:
        =IF(AND(AND(F5>80%,F5<100%),G5>=1,H5>=1),"X","")

        Hope this helps.

  37. How do I apply this formula to every cell in a column?
    I.E. If any cell in column A says "this" then the cell adjacent, in Column B would say "that"

    1. Either enter the formula to the first cell and then copy it down all other rows, or use the array formula like this:
      =ARRAYFORMULA(IF($A:$A="this","that",""))

  38. I'm quite new to Google Sheets, but understand If/Then from another software. May I ask if there is a way to use IF to populate a new sheet? Meaning, if the cell has x, then the contents of that row should copy to another spreadsheet?

    1. There's a special IMPORTRANGE function that helps to return the entire range of cells from another sheet. Here's an example formula for you:
      =IF(Sheet2!A2="X",IMPORTRANGE("spreadsheet_url","Sheet1!A2:Z2"),"")

      Hope this will help.

  39. If I have a numerical value of 38 in A1. And I want a factor of 8.2 to show up in B1 it would be written as follows;
    =IF(A10=38,8.2)
    But what if I had multiple rows with different numerical values and I wanted a factor based on the numerical value as follows;
    A B C D
    1 40 8.8
    2 42 9.0
    3 44 9.5
    4 46 10.0
    If I enter 44 in column A it would enter a factor of 9.5 in column B. If I enter 42 in column A it would enter a factor of 9.0 in column B. How would I formulate that?

  40. Hi,

    Great article! Many thanks. Although good examples, unfortunately I wasn't able to successfully apply them to my sheet.
    I'm trying to apply the following logic:
    If H24 = smaller than 68600, then H24*36,93%, If H24 = > 68600 then take maximum 68600 * 36,93%
    And in the next cell:
    If H24 = > 68600, then (H24-68600)*50,5%
    Can you help with the formulas for this?
    Many thanks in advance

    1. Hi Jeffrey,

      I believe you need to simply switch "=" and ">". Also, make sure you separate percentage decimals by a full stop rather than a comma. The correct formula would be:
      =IF(H24<68600,H24*36.93%,IF(H24>=68600,68600*36.93%,""))

      I guess the same mistakes were made in the second formula. Will you be able to adjust it based on my example? ;)

  41. Hi,
    Is it possible to give an IF to more than 1 rule at the same time?
    I'm trying to create a formula to calculate someone's commission in Google.Doc's

    The rule is if they reach their 100% target, the Sales £ they have earned will be multiplied by 1%. IF they exceed their target (E.G they achieved 125% of their target). the 100% achieved will still be multiplied by 1% but the extra 25% they earned will be multiplied by 1.25%. How do you make it so ONLY 100%> is at the higher rate of 1.25%

    I've gotten this far so far: =IF(B7>1,(B6*1%)

    Thank you

    1. Hi, Jamie. You need a nested if. Look:
      =IF(AND(B7>1, B71.25, B6*1.25%))

  42. been trying to make a formula in google sheets
    what I want to make is there should be a dropdown menu for Yes or No, but only if another cell in another sheet says No, because if that one says Yes there shouldn't be a dropdown menu and it should just say Yes. And the opposite is also true. Of course it would be cool if the dropdown menu still works and it's just linked to that other cell.

    What does work is
    =IF('Side Quests'!A50="Yes";"Yes";"No")

    but then I can't use the dropdown menu anymore and that would mean I can only change the value on that one sheet and not on the one where this formula is. Is there something that I'm missing here? Is it possible to link both cells to eachother, in a way that they both have the same dropdown menu, and if you change one, the other will change to the same?

    Thanks in advance ^^

  43. I have a google form that submits the email address of the user and enters it to field A2. I have another field, B2 that is calculated to capture that email address. The problem: The form goes through 3 levels for approval, and at each level the email is captured and replaces the information in field A2. My goal is to capture the applicant email address, which is the first email entered.
    I am also using an arrayfunction that completes all rows. I can't figure out how to make it only get the first entry. Can you help?

    1. Clarification: My goal is to capture the applicant email address, which is the first email entered in A2 by copying it to B2 and not have B2 change again when A2 captures the next email address in A2.

      1. Hello, Brenda,

        I'm sorry, but there's no way to prevent formulas in Google Sheets from recalculating. There are a couple of spreadsheet settings that can reduce the number of recalculations, but only for few formulas. You can check the list by going to File > Spreadsheet settings > Calculations.

        I wish I could help you better.

        1. thanks

  44. I am trying to make a formula for my math teacher to do grades on Google Sheets. I am trying to accomplish the following: If column B has the text "A-" or "A" or A+", then column C should be filled with the number 4, if column B has the text "B-" or "B" or B+", then column C should be filled with the number 3, if column B has the text "C-" or "C" or C+", then column C should be filled with the number 2, if column B has the text "D-" or "D" or D+", then column C should be filled with the number 1, and if column B has the text "F-" or "F" or F+", then column C should be filled with the number 0.

    1. Thank you for the detailed description of the task, Tarun.

      If you'd like to do that with the IF function, put the following to C2 and copy the formula down (assuming the data in column B starts in B2):
      =IF(LEFT(B2,1)="A",4,IF(LEFT(B2,1)="B",3,IF(LEFT(B2,1)="C",2,IF(LEFT(B2,1)="D",1,IF(LEFT(B2,1)="F",0,"")))))

      Alternatively, you could create a "helper table", where column E would contain the list of all grades, and column F would have corresponding grades. Then, the following should also do:
      =VLOOKUP(B1,$E$1:$F$15,2,FALSE)

      Hope these formulas help!

  45. Can you help me write a correct formula?
    Calculate percentage of difference between two cells when both cells are non-zero.
    Currently have the following but getting error - not sure how to check for non-zero cells and only proceed with calculation when they are.

    =IF ((G419>0)AND(G445>0)),(((G445-G419)/G445)*100)

    Thank you!

    1. Cathy,

      Please try the following:
      =IF(AND(G419>0,G445>0),((G445-G419)/G445)*100,"")

      If you'd like to know how to build the formula like this correctly, please look through this article. It's written for Excel, but the function works the same in Google Sheets.
      Hope this helps!

  46. I have a column in my sheet containing fares that I want to auto-populate based on a vehicle type AND a route:

    Column A : vehicle
    Column B: route
    Column C: fare

    Routes originating at an airport (but not a specified airport) cost more than others so the formula I am trying to use (in column C) but gives #ERROR! is:

    =if(AND((A1="Sedan",B2="%Airport%"),"$350","$330", if(AND((A1="SUV",B2="%Airport%"),"$400","$350", if(AND((A1="minibus",B2="%Airport%"),"$$550","$500"))))))

    If anyone can help me out with where the parse error is that would be awesome.

    Thanks!

    1. Thank you for contacting us, Kate.

      First, if you want to check for any airport occurrences, you need to use the ISNUMBER+SEARCH combo instead of wildcard characters.

      Also, you used one excess opening bracket for your AND functions. It should be like this:
      AND(A2="Sedan",ISNUMBER(SEARCH("airport",B2)))

      Once you fix that, the formula will return another error because you used more arguments than the function allows. You see, if your first condition is met, the formula will return $350, if not - $330. That's it, this is the formula.

      In order to check other conditions, you need to replace all the second numbers with your next IFs:
      =IF(AND(A2="Sedan",ISNUMBER(SEARCH("airport",B2))),"$350",IF(AND(A2="SUV",ISNUMBER(SEARCH("airport",B2))),"$400",IF(AND(A2="minibus",ISNUMBER(SEARCH("airport",B2))),"$$550","$500")))

      If this is not what you need, please send me the example of your table (10-20 rows) to support@ablebits.com with the link to this comment.
      I'll do my best to advise you.

  47. Hello, Sean:
    Try this:
    =IF(ISBLANK(Inventory wk5!I2),Inventory wk5!I2,Inventory wk4!I2)
    The ISBLANK function tests to see if the cell is empty, which is what I think you're testing. If you want to see if the cell is 0 then the formula should say =0. The zero character is a character and the cell would not be empty. Same thing for non-printing characters in cells. Those cells are not empty.

  48. I am trying to create a formula to reference a cell from one sheet (if filled) or another sheet (if the first is not filled). This is what I have and it is not working.

    =IF('Inventory wk 5'!I2>=0,'Inventory wk 5'!I2,'Inventory wk 4'!I2)

  49. Anne:
    Where column 1 is column A and the data is in A2 enter this in column 2:
    =IF(A2<=40,A2,40)

  50. I have a super simple scenario but don't know how to do this. I have 2 columns and I want column 2 to be: 'If the value in column 1 is less than 40, the column 1 value should appear as is. If the value is above 40, then the number 40 should appear. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

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