SWITCH function in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the SWITCH function do in Google Sheets?

The SWITCH function checks a value against a list of cases and returns the result for the first matching case. If no match is found, it can return a default value.

beginner

How do you write a basic SWITCH formula?

Use =SWITCH(expression, case1, result1, case2, result2, ..., default) where expression is what you check, cases are possible matches, and results are what you get if matched.

intermediate

What happens if no cases match and no default is provided in SWITCH?

If no match is found and no default value is given, SWITCH returns an error (#N/A).

intermediate

Can SWITCH replace nested IF statements?

Yes, SWITCH can simplify formulas by replacing multiple nested IFs when checking one value against many options.

beginner

Example: What does =SWITCH(A1, "Red", 1, "Blue", 2, "Green", 3, 0) return if A1 is "Blue"?

It returns 2 because "Blue" matches the second case, so the result is 2.

What is the correct order of arguments in the SWITCH function?

A result1, case1, expression, case2, result2, ..., default

B case1, result1, expression, case2, result2, ..., default

C expression, case1, result1, case2, result2, ..., default

D expression, result1, case1, case2, result2, ..., default

The first argument is the expression to check, followed by pairs of cases and results, and optionally a default value.

If no case matches and no default is given, what does SWITCH return?

A #N/A error

B Empty string

C 0

D The first case's result

Without a default, SWITCH returns a #N/A error if no case matches.

Which function can SWITCH help simplify?

A COUNT

B VLOOKUP

C SUM

D Nested IF

SWITCH can replace multiple nested IF statements checking one value.

What will =SWITCH(3, 1, "One", 2, "Two", 3, "Three", "Other") return?

A "Three"

B "Two"

C "Other"

D "One"

3 matches the third case, so the result is "Three".

Can SWITCH handle text and numbers as cases?

A No, only numbers.

B Yes, it can handle both text and numbers.

C No, only text.

D Only dates.

SWITCH can compare the expression to text, numbers, or other types.

Explain how the SWITCH function works and give a simple example.

Think about choosing from options based on one value.

Describe a situation where SWITCH is better than nested IF statements.

Imagine you want to assign grades based on a letter.