Quick answer
The IFS formula checks several conditions in order and returns the result for the first true condition.
=IFS(B2>=90,"A",B2>=80,"B",B2>=70,"C",TRUE,"Review")Syntax
Use this syntax as the pattern, then replace the sample arguments with your own cells, ranges, and criteria.
=IFS(logical_test1, value_if_true1, [logical_test2, value_if_true2], ...)When to use it
Logical formulas help a spreadsheet make decisions. They are useful when a report needs to say whether a target was met, whether a row needs attention, or which label should be shown based on one or more conditions.
- Mark invoices as paid or overdue
- Create pass/fail labels for scores
- Flag rows that need review
- Build status messages for dashboards
Example worksheet layout
Test the formula in a small worksheet first. This makes it easier to confirm the result before copying the formula down hundreds of rows.
| Column or range | What it represents |
|---|---|
| A | Item, person, or transaction |
| B | Score / status / amount |
| C | Formula result or decision label |
Copy-paste examples
These examples move from simple to more practical versions. Start with the beginner examples, confirm the result, then adapt the intermediate and advanced versions.
Convert score to grade
=IFS(B2>=90,"A",B2>=80,"B",B2>=70,"C",TRUE,"Review")The TRUE at the end acts as a fallback when no earlier rule is true.
Classify order size
=IFS(C2>=10000,"Enterprise",C2>=1000,"Business",TRUE,"Small")Turn numeric amounts into readable segments.
Status from dates
=IFS(D2<TODAY(),"Overdue",D2=TODAY(),"Due today",D2>TODAY(),"Upcoming")Make date trackers easier to read.
Multiple text rules
=IFS(B2="High","Escalate",B2="Medium","Watch",B2="Low","Normal",TRUE,"Check")Map labels to actions.
IFS with AND
=IFS(AND(B2>0,C2="Active"),"Valid",B2=0,"No value",TRUE,"Review")Combine IFS with AND when each test needs more than one rule.
IFS with lookup default
=IFS(XLOOKUP(A2,Table1[ID],Table1[Risk],"")="High","Escalate",TRUE,"Normal")Use a lookup result as the decision input.
How to use it step by step
- Put your raw data in clear columns with headers such as Amount, Date, Status, Region, or Customer.
- Paste the starting formula into the first result cell, usually row 2.
- Replace sample references such as A2, B2, or $F$2:$F$100 with the cells in your own worksheet.
- Check the result on a few rows where you already know the expected answer.
- Copy the formula down only after the first row returns the right result.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Add a final TRUE fallback so unmatched rows do not return #N/A.
- Order rules from most specific to most general.
- Avoid overlapping rules that make later conditions impossible to reach.
- Test the formula on a few known rows before using it across a full report.
Beginner tips
- Use a small sample first so you can see exactly how the IFS formula behaves.
- Convert your source range into an Excel Table when the data will grow over time.
- Add a short note near important formulas so future users know what each input represents.