The OR function in Excel is used to evaluate multiple conditions and returns TRUE if any one of the specified conditions is met. It’s particularly useful when you’re checking for multiple acceptable criteria in your data.
Syntax: OR(logical1, [logical2], …)
Unlike the AND function, which requires all conditions to be true, the OR function requires only one condition to be true for the output to return “TRUE”.
Brenda’s Lesson Plan: Teaching Excel to Carl & Carly
Brenda, continuing her financial training with her kids Carl and Carly, introduced them to the OR function. She presented a fun exercise to help them understand how it works.
Task 1: Check if the Tip Was $15 or $25
- Goal: Identify if any bakery gave a tip of exactly $15 or $25.
- Formula:
=OR(F4=15, F4=25)
In this example:
F4=15: Checks if the tip is $15F4=25: Checks if the tip is $25
As long as one of these conditions is TRUE, Excel will return “TRUE”. Drag the formula down to apply to the full column.
Task 2: Cash Over $200 OR Tip Over $17
- Goal: Highlight bakeries that either paid more than $200 in cash or gave a tip over $17.
- Formula:
=OR(E4>200, F4>17)
Explanation:
E4>200: Checks if cash paid is more than $200F4>17: Checks if the tip is more than $17
Drag the formula down in the column to apply the OR logic for each row of data.
Task 3: Tip Greater Than $28 OR 10% of Amount
- Goal: Determine if the tip was greater than $28 or more than 10% of the total amount.
- Formula:
=OR(F4>28, F4>(10%*E4))
Breakdown:
F4>28: Tip over $28F4>(10%*E4): Tip is more than 10% of the cash amount
Drag the formula downward to apply the same logic for every transaction row.
Summary Table: Excel OR Function Scenarios
| Scenario | Condition | Formula | Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tip is $15 or $25 | F4 = 15 OR F4 = 25 | =OR(F4=15, F4=25) |
TRUE / FALSE |
| Cash > $200 or Tip > $17 | E4 > 200 OR F4 > 17 | =OR(E4>200, F4>17) |
TRUE / FALSE |
| Tip > $28 or >10% of Amount | F4 > 28 OR F4 > 10% of E4 | =OR(F4>28, F4>(10%*E4)) |
TRUE / FALSE |
Real-Life Use Case
Using OR logic is great when managing donations, discounts, and bonuses in Excel. For example, if a customer qualifies for a reward based on either purchase total or loyalty points, OR can automate that logic within seconds.
Related Tip: How to Use Filters in Excel
Once you apply formulas, use Filters (via Data → Filter) to quickly view only TRUE rows and take action. This makes your spreadsheet interactive and actionable for day-to-day decisions.
Summary
The OR function is a flexible way to test multiple logical conditions and determine if at least one is true. It’s widely used in budgeting, decision trees, inventory checks, and more. Brenda’s lesson helped Carl and Carly master this powerful logic and build stronger budgeting skills.
