Nested IF functions in Google Sheets - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This data shows a student's score in cell A2. We want to assign a grade based on the score using nested IF functions.

Cell	Value
A1	Score
A2	85
B1	Grade

Formula Trace

=IF(A2>=90, "A", IF(A2>=80, "B", IF(A2>=70, "C", "F")))

Step 1: A2>=90

Step 2: 85>=90

Step 3: IF(A2>=80, "B", IF(A2>=70, "C", "F"))

Step 4: 85>=80

Step 5: "B"

Cell Reference Map

   A    B
1 Score Grade
2  85   -->

The formula references cell A2 which contains the score 85. The result is placed in B2.

Result

   A    B
1 Score Grade
2  85    B

The formula evaluates the score 85 and assigns grade B in cell B2.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What grade will the formula assign if the score in A2 is 92?

A B

B A

C C

D F

Key Result

Nested IF functions check conditions in order and return the first true condition's value, else the last value.