How to Use the SWITCH Function in Excel
The SWITCH function allows you to perform multiple tests on a value and return the results based on matching conditions. It works by taking a value, comparing it to the given test values, and providing a result based on the first matching value in the set.
In this guide, you will learn how to use the SWITCH function in Excel and how to combine it with other functions to perform more complex calculations.
What Is the SWITCH Function?
The SWITCH function is typically used when you have a bunch of conditions to test in the spreadsheet. It is often used as an alternative to theIF function in Excel, since it is more efficient and readable.
Instead of using other conditional functions like the nested IF function to test all the conditions, you could use a single SWITCH function to perform all the tests at once.
The basic syntax of the SWITCH function is as follows:
Here, the values in the syntax represent the following:
Let’s have a look at an example, considering the syntax we just mentioned:
In this example, if the value in A1 is ‘3’, it will return ‘flower’, while if it is ‘2’, it will return ‘leaf’. If the value does not match any of the conditions, the SWITCH function will return ‘unknown’. You can think of the SWITCH function as the compact and more efficient form of the nested IF statements.
To see how to use the SWITCH function in Excel, let’s take an example.
A spreadsheet contains information about the 10 students. Each student is assigned a code (either A or B) and you wish to divide them into two groups (Orators and Researchers) accordingly. If a student does not have any of the codes mentioned, you want the SWITCH function to return Pending.
The SWITCH function formula we will be using, in this case, will be:
Similarly, let’s take a look at another example.
There are 10 employees whose progress you want to share with senior management. Each employee is assigned one of the three scores; 1,2, or 3. Employees with code 1 should be rated Excellent, those with code 2 Satisfactory, and those with code 3 as Poor.
The SWITCH formula we will be using, in this case, will be:
How to Use the SWITCH Function With Other Excel Functions
You can also use the SWITCH function in combination with other Excel functions to make the most of them. For example, you can nest it inside the IF function or vice versa to increase overall efficiency and create more complex formulas.
Considering the second example of the employee rating we just discussed above, you can use the SWITCH function inside the IF function to test if the value in the cell is greater than 3. If it is, the formula will return Out of Range.
The formula, in this case, will be:
Apart from this, here are some more Excel functions that it’s possible to use with the SWITCH function:
Using the SWITCH function with other Excel functions can help you create more powerful formulas to analyze and manipulate your data more effectively.
Efficient Complex Calculations With the SWITCH Function in Excel
The SWITCH function in Excel is a versatile and efficient tool that can easily assist you in complex calculations. Having a good understanding of how it works will allow you to optimize your spreadsheets and analyze your data more efficiently.
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