OR Function in Google Sheets: Explained

In this article, you will learn what the OR formula is and how to use it in Google Sheets.

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What is the OR function in Google Sheets?

The OR formula returns “TRUE” when one or more inputs are logically true, and the OR function provides “FALSE” if no argument is logically true. So, unless none of the arguments are logically false, the formula returns “TRUE”.

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How to use the OR formula in Google Sheets

1. Type “=OR” or navigate to the “Insert” tab (or “Functions” icon) → “Function” → “Logical” → “OR”.
2. Insert the logic(s) and expression(s) you want to test.
3. Press the “Enter” key.

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The general formula is as below:

=OR(logical_expression1, [logical_expression2, …])

Logical_expression1: You need to insert a logical test such as “A1=1”, ”A1<B1”, and “A1+B1=2” by manually input and/or cell reference.

Logical_expression2 (Optional): You can add more than one expression if needed.

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Note: The number 0 is considered logically “FALSE” by the OR function; all other numbers (including negative numbers) are considered logically “TRUE”.

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The following screenshot shows examples of the usage of the OR function.

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How to use the OR and IF functions together in Google Sheets

The OR function is often combined with the IF function rather than used alone. As the OR formula returns “TRUE” or “FALSE”, the OR and the IF function, which needs “TRUE” or “FALSE” input to determine which value to show, go well together.

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Assume that you are a manager and need to check whether your group members have test results that meet at least one of the following criteria.

1. Test A score is equal to or more than 70.
2. Test B score is equal to or more than 70.
3. The aggregate score of Test A and B is 140 or above.

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The formula shown in the picture above contains the OR function containing the arguments below:

Logical_expression1: C15>=$C$10 (Test A Score 54>=70) → Unmet

Logical_expression2: D15>=$C$11 (Test B Score 67>=70)  → Unmet

Logical_expression3: E15>=$C$12 (Total Test Score 121>=140)  → Unmet

As for the formula in cell F15, the OR function returns “FALSE" as all requirements are unmet. Therefore, the IF function returns the defined value of “No”, the value provided when it is false.

Check this article: Relative Reference and Absolute Reference in Google Sheets: Explained if you want to learn about different types of references.