OR

The OR function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool to determine whether any of the provided logical expressions are true. It returns true if any of the logical expressions are true, and false if all of the logical expressions are false. With the OR function, you can simplify the task of testing multiple conditions.

Parameters

• logical_expression1: The first logical expression to evaluate.
• logical_expression2, ...: [Optional] Additional logical expressions to evaluate.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

1. Using OR with individual logical expressions:

   • Example: =OR(TRUE, FALSE, FALSE)
   • Result: TRUE

2. Using OR with cell references containing logical values:

   • Example: If A1 contains TRUE and B1 contains FALSE, then =OR(A1, B1) will return TRUE.

3. Using OR with a combination of logical expressions and cell references:

   • Example: If A1 contains TRUE, B1 contains FALSE, and C1 contains TRUE, then =OR(A1, B1, C1) will return TRUE.

Working with a Single Value, a List, and a Range

OR accepts logical expressions one at a time, as a comma-separated list, or as a range — mix and match freely.

• Single value: =OR(A1) — returns TRUE if A1 is TRUE, FALSE otherwise.
• List of values: =OR(A1, A2, A3) — evaluates each cell individually and returns TRUE if any of them is TRUE.
• Range: =OR(A1:A3) — evaluates every cell in the range and returns TRUE if any of them is TRUE. If A1:A3 holds FALSE, FALSE, TRUE, the result is TRUE.
• Mixed: =OR(A1, A3:A6) — you can combine single cells and ranges in one call.

Use Cases and Scenarios

1. Conditional Formatting: Apply formatting to a cell if any of the specified conditions are true.
2. Data Validation: Allow input that satisfies any of the specified conditions.
3. Conditional Formulas: Perform calculations based on the evaluation of multiple logical expressions.

Related Functions

• AND: Returns true if all of the provided arguments are logically true.
• NOT: Returns the logical negation of a provided logical expression.

Related Articles

• How to Use Logical Functions in Google Sheets: AND, OR, NOT