To use multiple IF statements in Excel, you can nest several IF functions inside each other or use the IFS function (Excel 2016+). 🧠 For example, =IF(A1<50,"Fail",IF(A1<75,"Pass","Distinction")) lets you evaluate multiple conditions in one formula. Whether you’re grading students, applying sales tiers, or creating complex logic flows, mastering multiple IFs can streamline your spreadsheets and make your formulas more dynamic. 💪
🔍 What Are Multiple IF Statements in Excel?
Multiple IF statements allow you to test more than one condition within a single formula by nesting IF functions inside each other.
Basic Syntax:
=IF(condition1, result1, IF(condition2, result2, result3))
🧠 This checks condition1, then moves to condition2 only if condition1 is FALSE.
📚 Example of a Nested IF Statement
=IF(A2<60,"F",IF(A2<70,"D",IF(A2<80,"C",IF(A2<90,"B","A"))))
This formula grades scores:
- Below 60 = F
- 60–69 = D
- 70–79 = C
- 80–89 = B
- 90+ = A
Perfect for grading sheets, salary bands, sales commissions, etc. 🎯
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✅ When to Use Multiple IF Statements
Use them when:
- You need tiered logic (e.g., different outcomes based on ranges)
- A formula needs custom rules for various values
- Your decisions go beyond true/false and involve 3+ possible outcomes
⚡ Keyboard Shortcuts for Writing IF Formulas
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu (LibreOffice Calc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start formula | = | = | = |
| Insert function dialog | Shift + F3 | Shift + F3 | Ctrl + F2 |
| Accept formula | Enter | Return | Enter |
| Expand formula bar | Ctrl + Shift + U | Cmd + Shift + U | Ctrl + Shift + U |
💡 Tip: After typing =IF(, press Ctrl + A to open the function builder.
🎯 Multiple IF vs IFS Function (Simplified Alternative)
IFS Function (Excel 2016+):
=IFS(A2<60,"F", A2<70,"D", A2<80,"C", A2<90,"B", A2>=90,"A")
Pros:
✅ Easier to read
✅ No deep nesting
✅ Cleaner structure
Cons:
❌ Not available in older Excel versions
❌ Can’t define a default “else” unless you include TRUE at the end
🧠 Real-World Examples of Multiple IF Statements
| Use Case | Formula | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Tiering | =IF(B2<1000,"Bronze",IF(B2<5000,"Silver","Gold")) | Categorize based on sales |
| Shipping Fees | =IF(C2="US",5,IF(C2="EU",10,15)) | Fees based on location |
| Attendance Policy | =IF(D2>=90,"Excellent",IF(D2>=75,"Good","Poor")) | Performance tiering |
| Bonus Calculation | =IF(E2>10000,"$1,000",IF(E2>5000,"$500","$100")) | Bonus thresholds |
🧩 Combine IF with AND, OR for Complex Logic
IF + AND:
=IF(AND(A2>50, B2<100), "Valid", "Invalid")
IF + OR:
=IF(OR(A2="Yes", B2="Approved"), "Proceed", "Hold")
These combinations help you test multiple conditions in one IF without nesting.
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🔄 Best Practices for Using Multiple IFs
| Do This | Why |
|---|---|
| Use indentation and line breaks (Alt + Enter in formula bar) | Improves readability |
Add comments with N() for clarity | e.g., N("Check age range") |
Combine with IFS() if available | Reduces complexity |
Use TRUE as final condition | Acts as a fallback/default |
Replace with LOOKUP or SWITCH for large logic trees | Faster & cleaner |
🐧 Multiple IFs in Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc)
LibreOffice Calc supports nested IF just like Excel:
=IF(A1<50,"Fail",IF(A1<70,"Pass",IF(A1<90,"Merit","Distinction")))
Insert function: Ctrl + F2 → Logical → IF
Also supports IFS (in newer versions):
=IFS(A1<50,"F", A1<70,"D", A1<90,"B", A1>=90,"A")
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting to close parentheses—always match your
IF(with a) - ❌ Using overlapping or incorrect logic (e.g.,
A2<70afterA2<60) - ❌ Nesting too deeply when
IFS()orLOOKUP()would be simpler - ❌ Not accounting for all possible conditions (no fallback)
- ❌ Using
"value"instead of plain numbers when not needed
✅ Always test your logic with a variety of inputs before finalizing your formula!
FAQs
What is a nested IF in Excel?
It’s when one IF statement is placed inside another to test multiple conditions in sequence.
What’s the limit for nested IFs?
Excel allows up to 64 nested IFs, but it’s best to keep it simple for readability.
How do I simplify multiple IFs?
Use the IFS function (Excel 2016+) or replace with LOOKUP or CHOOSE for cleaner logic.
Can I use AND/OR inside IF?
Yes! =IF(AND(A1>10,B1<50),"OK","Not OK") is valid.
Does LibreOffice support multiple IFs?
Absolutely! You can nest IF functions just like in Excel.
Can I use text and numbers in one IF formula?
Yes—just use quotes around text and plain numbers without quotes.
✅ Final Thoughts on Excel Multiple IF Statements
Understanding how to use multiple IF statements in Excel gives you the power to create dynamic, decision-making spreadsheets. 🎯 From grading systems to business rules, nested IFs or the modern IFS() function can help automate logic with clarity and precision.
And now that you know how to combine it with AND, OR, and best practices—you’re ready to take your formulas to the next level! 🧩✨
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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