Excel FALSE Function

The Excel FALSE function is a Logical formula that essentially returns the logical value FALSE. Microsoft says that the FALSE is kept in Excel for the sake of compatibility with other spreadsheet programs. You do not need to use in most cases, except for when using criteria based functions such as COUNTIFS. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to use the Excel FALSE function and also go over some tips and error handling methods.

Supported versions

All Excel versions

Excel FALSE Function Syntax

FALSE()

Arguments

The FALSE function requires no arguments.

Examples

Returning a logical value

As the name suggests, the Excel FALSE function returns the logical value FALSE. Thus, you can use the function to return its value based on conditions. For example:

=IF(x>5,FALSE()) formula returns FALSE if the named range x is greater than 5

You can also omit the parenthesis () to return the logical value. For example:

=IF(x>5,FALSE) formula returns FALSE if the named range x is greater than 5

In fact, you do not need the IF function at all, since the logical expressions themselves will automatically generate a TRUE or FALSE outcome.

=x>5 formula returns FALSE if the named range x is greater than 5

Using the FALSE Function as a criteria

You can use the FALSE function or its value form as a criteria argument in other functions like the COUNTIFS, SUMIFS, or AVERAGEIF. For example, to count the FALSE values in a list, use the following formula:

=COUNTIFS(list,FALSE)

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Tips

The Excel FALSE function is a function kept for compatibility reasons.
The logical expressions automatically return logical values TRUE or FALSE based on the outcome of an expression.
=FALSE is equal to =FALSE()
TRUE function is the opposite version of the FALSE function.
The FALSE function can be used in conjunction with …IFS and …IF functions.