The Anatomy of an Excel IF Function
Part 1: Introduction to IF Functions
(page 3 of 3)
A function always begins with an equal sign followed by the function name. Start by typing:
=IF
Next, type the opening parenthesis and the logical test:
(B3>=0.6,
Don't forget to type the comma (arguments are separated by commas). Next type the Value_if_True argument:
"Passed",
Noticed that "Passed" is enclosed in double quotations. You use double quotes if your argument returns a text string. If you omit the double quotes, you will get an error value. If your argument returns a number, then you would not use the quotes.
And finally, type the Value_if_False argument and the closing parenthesis:
"Failed")
Click on the Enter button 
on the Formula bar to enter the formula. Cell C3 displays Yes.
Now, we can use the fill handle to copy our formula into the cells below (cells C4 through C8).
The fill handle is the small black square in the lower-right corner of the selection. When you point to the fill handle, the curser changes to a black cross (
). When you get that black cross, press your mouse button down and drag the fill handle down through cell C8.
Your worksheet should look like the image below.
It's always a good idea to test your formulas. Change a few of the percentages in the Test Score column to test the IF function. Any percentage that is 60% or more should display "Passed" in the Result column. Whenever the percentage goes below 60%, the result should be "Failed."
Now that you have an understanding of a basic IF function, you are you ready for Part 2. In Part 2, we learn how to nest an IF function within itself.
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