The Excel FALSE function is a compatibility function and returns with the FALSE output. The FALSE Formula in Excel requires no arguments.
The FALSE function’s purpose is to generate the FALSE logical value.
How the FALSE function works
Take a closer look at the function! In Excel, the FALSE function is a built-in logical function that returns the logical value FALSE. It’s often used to explicitly insert the FALSE value into a formula or expression as a placeholder for logical evaluations. Unlike other logical functions (like the AND, OR), FALSE requires no arguments, and its syntax is straightforward:
=FALSE()
In Excel’s logical system, FALSE equals the numeric value 0. This equivalence allows for using FALSE in calculations or comparisons with other numeric values.
For example:
- =FALSE + 0 = 0
- =FALSE – 10 = 10
If the divider is FALSE (in the example, in cell C5) and the dividend is zero, the formula returns with #DIV/0! (division by zero) error. This numeric equivalence enables certain operations that treat FALSE as 0 without additional conversions, simplifying logical formulas.
The last example will show what will happen if you sum two boolean values. In cell D5, the result is 1 because FALSE (0) + TRUE(1) works together like numerical values.
A logical test generates only TRUE and FALSE results.
The following formula will return TRUE if the value in H1 is greater than or equal to 120 and get FALSE if not.
=H1 >= 120
Use FALSE with Other Boolean Values
You can also combine FALSE with other boolean values like TRUE. In logical terms, adding FALSE (0) and TRUE (1) results in 1, as TRUE is treated as 1 and FALSE as 0.
For example:
=FALSE + TRUE
The result is 1. This feature is helpful in logical expressions where FALSE and TRUE are used as binary indicators.
You can use the FALSE function in logical comparisons and formulas. It’s particularly useful in IF statements, conditional formatting, and error-checking formulas, where specific outcomes depend on logical tests.
- In IF Statements: IF(condition, “Yes”, FALSE) explicitly returns FALSE if the condition fails.
- In Conditional Formatting: FALSE can serve as a trigger in rules to apply specific formats.
- In Error Handling: You can use FALSE with IFERROR to handle errors gracefully.
Additional resources: