Utility type functions

Utility type functions can be used on their own. However, they come into their own when embedded in other, more complex functions. In such cases, they expand the scope and functionality of the enclosing function by providing access to more conditions or variables.

Some examples of utility type functions are IF, AND, OR, MAX, MIN, and MATCH. We will now look at a few of them here.

The IF function

This is one of the most widely used functions in Excel. It can be used on its own or as part of another formula. The IF function checks whether a condition is met, then returns one value if it is and another value if it isn't. The syntax contains three arguments:

• logical_test: The logical test is a statement that returns a value of true if the condition is met, or false if the condition is not met.
• value_if_true: This argument allows you to specify which value you wish to be returned if the condition is met and the result...