OR returns TRUE when at least one condition is true. Use it inside IF for labels, or with a range when you want one combined answer.
OR function syntax
=OR(logical_expression1, [logical_expression2, ...])- Expressions: logical values or comparisons. Zero is false; nonzero numbers are true.
Set up the example data
Enter this small dataset starting in A1. The first row contains headers. Keep the formula output separate from the input cells.
| Name | Math | English |
|---|---|---|
| Alex | 45 | 32 |
| Blair | 30 | 35 |
| Casey | 52 | 60 |
Pass when either score qualifies
Enter this formula in A10. Alex qualifies through Math. Copy the per-row formula for each student; OR across whole columns gives a combined answer instead.
=OR(B2>=40,C2>=40)Result: TRUE.
Accept either status
Compare the status separately to each accepted text. Replace the repeated input with a cell reference in your order table.
=OR("Pending"="Pending","Pending"="Cancelled")Result: TRUE.
Return a readable label
A reading below ten or above fifty needs a check. Values equal to either boundary are included in the acceptable interval.
=IF(OR(5<10,5>50),"Check","OK")Result: Check.
Combine a range of approvals
One approval is enough. AND instead requires every condition to pass.
=OR({FALSE;FALSE;TRUE})Result: TRUE.
Get one answer per row with MAP
MAP supplies the paired scores to OR one row at a time. Keep three result cells empty for this array.
=MAP(B2:B4,C2:C4,LAMBDA(m,e,OR(m>=40,e>=40)))Result: TRUE; FALSE; TRUE.
Do not rely on short-circuiting
A true argument does not make an error in another argument disappear. Handle an error at its source when it is an expected part of the calculation.
=OR(TRUE,1/0)Result: #DIV/0!.
Other Google Sheets articles you may also like