How to use OR Function in Excel: Step-By-Step Guide

In this guide, you will learn how to use the OR() and XOR() functions in Excel to help you make informed decisions based on your data.

OR() Function

The OR() function in Excel is a logical function that allows you to make multiple comparisons within a formula. It evaluates the logical values (TRUE or FALSE) of its arguments and returns TRUE if any of the arguments are TRUE. In other words, the OR() function returns TRUE if at least one of the conditions being compared is met. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Type =OR( to start the formula.
  2. Enter the first condition you want to evaluate. For example, if you want to check if a number is greater than 10, type A1>10.
  3. Type a comma “,” and enter the second condition you want to evaluate. For example, if you want to check if a number is less than 20, type A1<20.
  4. Close the function by inputting a closing parenthesis “)”.
  5. Press Enter to complete the formula.

The result of the OR() function will be either TRUE or FALSE, depending on whether at least one of the conditions being compared is met.

In the example above, the cell D2 failed to meet the criteria. However, since the OR function only needs at least one true condition, it will return a TRUE result.

XOR() Function

The XOR() function in Excel is a logical function that allows you to perform an exclusive OR operation on two or more conditions. It evaluates the logical values (TRUE or FALSE) of its arguments and returns TRUE if an odd number of conditions are TRUE. In other words, the XOR() function returns TRUE if an odd number of conditions are met when comparing them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Type =XOR( to start the formula.
  2. Enter the first condition you want to evaluate. For example, if you want to check if a number is greater than 10, type A1>10.
  3. Type a comma “,” and enter the second condition you want to evaluate. For example, if you want to check if a number is less than 20, type A1<20.
  4. Repeat step 3 for any additional conditions you want to evaluate.
  5. Close the function by inputting a closing parenthesis “)”.
  6. Press Enter to complete the formula.

The result of the XOR() function will be either TRUE or FALSE, depending on whether an odd number of the conditions being compared are met.

In the example above, all four of the conditions are true and are met. However, because the XOR function only returns true if an odd number of conditions are met, the function returns a FALSE.

To use the OR() and XOR() functions in conjunction with other logical functions such as IF(), repeat the above steps but include the IF() function within the OR() function.

Conclusion

The OR() and XOR() functions in Excel are powerful tools that allow you to make multiple comparisons and perform exclusive OR operations within a formula. The OR() function returns TRUE if at least one of the conditions being compared is met, while the XOR() function returns TRUE if an odd number of conditions are met. These functions can be used in conjunction with other logical functions such as IF() to make complex decisions based on your data. By following the step-by-step guides provided, you can easily use the OR() and XOR() functions to enhance your data analysis and decision-making capabilities in Excel.