Why logical functions handle conditions in Google Sheets - Formula Trace Breakdown

Sample Data

This data shows student scores in column A. We want to check if each score is a passing score (60 or above) using logical functions.

Cell	Value
A1	Score
A2	85
A3	55
A4	70
B1	Pass?
B2
B3
B4

Formula Trace

=IF(A2>=60, "Pass", "Fail")

Step 1: A2>=60

Step 2: 85>=60

Step 3: IF(TRUE, "Pass", "Fail")

Cell Reference Map

    A       B
1 | Score | Pass? |
2 |  85   |  --> |
3 |  55   |      |
4 |  70   |      |

The formula in B2 references cell A2 to check the score and decide Pass or Fail.

Result

    A       B
1 | Score | Pass? |
2 |  85   | Pass  |
3 |  55   |       |
4 |  70   |       |

The formula in B2 shows 'Pass' because 85 is greater than or equal to 60.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What does the expression A2>=60 check?

A If the score in A2 is 60 or more

B If the score in A2 is less than 60

C If the score in A2 equals 60 only

D If the score in A2 is negative

Key Result

IF(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false) returns one value if condition is TRUE, another if FALSE.