The Excel FALSE function returns the logical value FALSE. It is a compatibility function for legacy support.
Nearly all logical functions in Excel return either TRUE or FALSE as the output. So, we don’t need to use the FALSE function separately.
Moreover, its functionality is similar to just typing FALSE. For example, refer to the following formula:
=IF(B2=100, TRUE, FALSE)Where,
- B2=100 is the expression or condition to evaluate if the value in the cell B2 is equal to 100
- TRUE is the desired output if the expression evaluates to true
- FALSE is the desired output if the expression evaluates to false
We can insert the FALSE function in the above formula and still get the same results.
=IF(B2=100, TRUE, FALSE())So, you may wonder why to use the FALSE function?
It is compatible with the legacy systems (old spreadsheet applications). When you plan to create a spreadsheet compatible with other applications (such as Lotus 1-2-3 or other legacy systems), the FALSE function is a must.
Syntax
The FALSE is a simple logical function with the following syntax.
=FALSE()As you can see, the function does not require any arguments. It can be used in any context where a definite FALSE value is needed.
Important Notes:
- The function is not required in the standard situations (use it only when you are creating a spreadsheet compatible with old applications)
- Every logical function in Excel returns TRUE or FALSE by default
How to use the FALSE Function in Excel
Download the example spreadsheet used to demonstrate the FALSE function in the upcoming section. Practice is the key to success!
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Example 1: TRUE Function Basics
Suppose that you are an e-commerce owner. You wish to find the products whose more than 500 quantities were sold in the previous week.
Refer to the following image,
We will use the IF function to get this job done. It is a logical function in Excel. It can test a condition and return values based on whether the condition is satisfied or not.
The IF function syntax is as follows:
=IF(logical_test, [value_if_true], [value_if_false])Where,
- logical_test is used to define the condition to be tested.
- value_if_true is an optional argument where you can define the value to return if the condition is satisfied.
- value_if_false argument lets you define the value to return if the condition is not satisfied.
Now, let us combine IF with the TRUE function to get the Best Sellers of the previous week.
- Select the cell C2
- Type =IF
- Choose the first option from the popup
- Specify B2>=500
- Type , to move to the next argument
- Type TRUE
- Type ,
- Specify FALSE
(As the FALSE is a built-in function in Excel, you will see the following popup) - Double-click the FALSE command from the list
- Close the bracket for the FALSE function using )
- Similarly, use one more ) to close the bracket for the IF function
- Hit the Enter key
Our formula would be as follows:
=IF(B2>=500, TRUE, FALSE())Where,
- B2>=500 is a logical expression to identify if the sale was greater than or equal to 500 quantities.
- TRUE is the desired output if the condition is met.
- FALSE() is used to return FALSE as the output if the condition is not met.
The results are displayed in the following image,
Takeaway
Both the TRUE and FALSE functions in Excel return the Boolean values. They are basic functions which are used only when you plan to create a spreadsheet compatible with old applications for seamless import and export.
Please comment below if you are stuck or encounter any particular error while exporting or importing Excel spreadsheets into other programs. I will answer your questions as soon as possible.
Additional Resources:
- TRUE Function in Excel
- IF Function in Excel
- Importing Excel into Google Sheets
- Best Spreadsheet Application in 2025
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