Maximize Excel: Logic Functions

CPE Credit: 2 hours

In this beneficial presentation, Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA, discusses the IF function and then takes you step-by-step beyond the basics. He explains what can go awry with the IF function, and ways to improve the integrity of your decision-making formulas. David shares alternatives to the IF function, including IFNA, MINIFS, SUMPRODUCT, and others. David’s assertion is that if you’re nesting more than a couple of IF functions, there’s probably a more refined and resilient approach you can take.
 
David demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in Excel 2016. He draws your attention to any differences in Excel 2013, 2010, or 2007 during the presentation as well as in his detailed handouts. David also provides an Excel workbook that includes most of the examples he uses during the webcast.



Topics Covered

• Employing the SUBSTITUTE function as an alternative to complex formulas based on the IF function.
• Employing the IFERROR function for situations where VLOOKUP returns #N/A.
• Testing for two or more conditions at once with Excel’s AND function.
• Learning about the MINIFS function available in certain versions of Excel.
• Avoiding the complexity of nested IF statements with Excel’s CHOOSE function.
• Using the SUMIFS function to sum values based on multiple criteria.
• Using the COUNTIF function to determine the number of times an item appears in a list.
• Understanding when you might wish to use ISERROR or ISNA instead of IFERROR.
• Incorporating comparison operators within SUMIF to sum numbers based on range criteria, such as greater than, less than, and so on.
• Reconstructing spreadsheet data to use VLOOKUP as a better alternative to nesting IF functions.
• Comparing two cells directly to return TRUE or FALSE if they’re exactly the same or not without using IF.
• Viewing the pros, cons, and limitations of nesting IF functions.

Learning Objectives:

• Recall how to avoid complex IF statements.
• Apply the COUNTIF function to determine the number of times an item appears on a list.
• Define when to use the ISERROR function or the ISNA function vs. the IFERROR function.

Course Number: 
DR1927
NASBA Field of Study: 
Computer Software and Applications
Level: 
Intermediate
Presenter:
David Ringstrom
Prerequisites: 
Experience Working with Excel Functions Recommended
Advanced Preparation: 
None