What is FALSE Function in Google Sheets?
The FALSE function in Google Sheets returns the logical FALSE value. We use “FALSE” to define what happens if a condition isn’t. The FALSE function means a negative state. When one uses the function in Google Sheets, the cell displays the negative value FALSE. It is commonly used along with other logical functions to construct more complex formulas.
The FALSE formula in Google Sheets is pretty straightforward. Let us look at an example of combining it with IF as it is most used. The formula =IF(A1>5, TRUE,FALSE) returns the logical value “FALSE” if the value in A1 is not greater than 5. Its main use is to compare values and return FALSE if the comparison is false.
Key Takeaways
- FALSE() is a built-in function in Google Sheets that returns the Boolean value FALSE.
- Its syntax is as follows: =FALSE(). It takes no arguments.
- It is commonly used with logical functions like IF, AND, OR, and NOT to represent conditions that evaluate to FALSE.
- It is used in conditional formatting rules to highlight cells based specific conditions.
- We can enter FALSE directly into a cell for it to be treated as a Boolean FALSE and not literal text.
Syntax
The syntax of the FALSE function in Google Sheets is as follows:
=FALSE()
The function requires no input arguments. Mostly, the FALSE value in the text form is interpreted as logical FALSE by Google Sheets. Just entering FALSE is enough for Google Sheets to interpret it as a logical value.
It shows that you can use the FALSE function along with other logical functions like AND and OR without parameters or even the parentheses.
How to Use FALSE Function in Google Sheets?
We can enter the FALSE function in Google Sheets in two ways.
- Enter FALSE manually
- Access from the Google Menu bar
Entering FALSE Manually
FALSE, in the simplest terms, is a Boolean value. They can represent the ON(1) or OFF(0) in the binary world. Rather than using them as a standalone formula, which isn’t very useful, they can be used in different ways, such as in conditional formatting, with logical functions like IF or AND and error checking. Here, we will try to enter the function manually in conjunction with IF.
Step 1: Let’s use the function directly and with a reference to see the output. We will manually enter the formula in the cell shown below.
Here, we use the IF function to check if the value in cell B1 is greater than 20. If the condition is met, it returns TRUE; otherwise, it returns FALSE.
Step 2: Press Enter after closing the braces. Thus, you get the result of TRUE if the condition is true and False otherwise.
Access From the Google Menu Bar
Choose any cell where you wish to enter the FALSE function.
Go to the “Insert” tab. Under Function, click on the “Logical” arrow. From there, choose the FALSE function to use it in any formula.
Examples
We have explored how to use “FALSE” in the simplest way. However, it is a powerful tool in Google Sheets when used in complex formulas. From logical functions to data validation and conditional formatting, FALSE is used in a wide range of involving making logical decisions. Let us look at how to implement FALSE with some suitable examples.
Example #1
ARRAYFORMULA in Google Sheets allows you to apply a formula to an entire range of cells, thereby saving time and streamlining the calculations. Using FALSE with ARRAYFORMULA helps you understand the potential of FALSE. Let us look at the example below.
We have a list of ten numbers in column A. We wish to check all 10 numbers and find those with values less than 5. Values less than 5 are printed, while those greater than 5 are replaced by FALSE. The entire range is printed due to the ARRAYFORMULA.
Step 1: Enter the following function in cell C1.
This formula returns the count of the values in the range A1:A10 below five. Values greater than 5 don’t meet the condition, so it returns FALSE.
=ARRAYFORMULA(IF(A1:A10<5, A1:A10, “FALSE”))
Step 2: Press Enter.The result is an array in which values less than 5 are displayed while FALSE replaces those over or equal to 5. It reduces the hassle of writing complex formulas with FILTER.
Example #2 – Using FALSE with Conditional Formatting
You can also use the FALSE function in conditional formatting, allowing you to change the appearance of cells based on their values. For instance, we can use =A4=FALSE to apply conditional formatting to all cells whose value is FALSE. Let us look at an example of using conditional formatting with FALSE. We have the grades of some students. We apply conditional formatting to all cells that contain FALSE, which means the student has failed the subject.
Step 1: Enter the details of students in the sheet.
Step 2: To apply a new conditional formatting rule, go to Format -> Conditional Formatting. Now, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: You get the “Conditional Format rules” window on the left side of the sheet. Click on “Add another rule” and select the required range where you want to apply the formatting under “Apply to Range.”
Step 4: Choose “Custom formula is” under the “Format cells if..” option. Now, apply the Google Sheets conditional formatting custom formula as follows:
=C2=FALSE. Here, each value with FALSE in Column C will be identified as FALSE and we apply a custom color for the same under the formatting style. Click Done.
Step 5: Press Done. Now, enter the following formula in cell C2.
=IF(B2 > 50, TRUE, FALSE).
Step 6: This means students who score less than 50 are tagged as FALSE, while those who score greater than 50 are tagged as TRUE. Drag the formula to C11. Notice how the cells are highlighted.
Thus, we use the function for conditional formatting, when it outputs the logical value FALSE.
Example #3 – Using FALSE in Logical Tests
Several logical functions exist in Google Sheets, such as the OR and AND functions. We can use FASLE with them to create complex formulas. The AND function returns the value TRUE if all conditions specified as arguments are logically true and FALSE if any arguments are false. Look at the example below. We create a table where passenger names, ages, and Frequent Flier status are listed. The Airline carrier wished to upgrade those whose age is above 60 and are a frequent flier to First Class. Let us see how it can be implemented.
Step 1: We use the AND function to check whether the passenger satisfies both conditions. Then, we assign them “Upgrade;” otherwise, the result is FALSE. Enter the following formula in cell D2.
=IF(AND(B2 > 60, C2=”Frequent Flier”), “Yes”, FALSE())
Step 2: Press Enter. We upgrade the first passenger, who is both over 60 and a frequent flier.
Step 3: Drag the function for all the passengers and check the result. Whenever a passenger doesn’t meet either of the conditions, it prints FALSE.
Thus, while FALSE is a function, it also represents a logical value. The above examples should provide you a detailed understanding of the FALSE function in Google Sheets.
Important Things to Note
- The “FALSE” value is treated as text, while FALSE is a Boolean value that can be used to write complex formulas with logical functions.
- The FALSE function is case-insensitive. Hence, FALSE() and FALSE will all have the same result.
- The FALSE function does not take any arguments. You get an #N/A error when you try to enter an argument.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Conditional Formatting
One of the most useful functions using FALSE is conditional formatting. This feature helps you change cells’ appearance based on their formula or value.
2. Checking for ERRORS
FALSE can be combined with IFERROR as an argument to check for errors.
3. ARRAY FORMULAS
Combining the FALSE and ARRAYFORMULA functions helps simultaneously perform calculations across many rows or columns.
4. Logical Functions
Using FALSE with logical functions like IF, OR, and NOT helps perform comparisons and return Boolean values based on some set conditions
FALSE in Google Sheets works best when used with other logical functions.
1. We can use FALSE with IF to present what happens if it doesn’t meet a condition. For example, consider the formula =IF(A2>100,TRUE,”FALSE”). It returns FALSE if the condition A2>100 isn’t met.
2. When used with the AND function, we get FALSE if any of the provided arguments are logically false. For example, in the formula =AND(A1=5, B1=25), we get FALSE if either condition is not met.
3. When used with the NOT function, it returns the opposite of a logical value. =NOT(FALSE) returns “TRUE”.
While the use of FALSE is straightforward, they are prone to errors when used incorrectly. Some of the common errors include:
• #VALUE! Error: Occurs if FALSE is used where a number or another type of data is expected.
• #NAME? Error: If FALSE is seen as a string rather than a logical value, this error occurs.
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