TRUE Function in Excel

The Excel TRUE function is a Logical formula that essentially returns the logical value TRUE. Microsoft notes that the TRUE function is included in Excel for 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 TRUE function in Excel, and also go over some tips and error handling methods.

Supported versions

All Excel versions

Excel TRUE Function Syntax

TRUE()

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Arguments

TRUE function in Excel requires no arguments.

Examples for the TRUE Function in Excel

Returning a logical value

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

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

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

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

Using the TRUE function as a criteria

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

=COUNTIFS(list,TRUE)

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Tips

TRUE is essentially a function used for compatibility with other software.
The logical expressions automatically return logical values TRUE or FALSE based on the outcome of the expression.
=TRUE is equal to =TRUE()
FALSE function is the opposite version of the TRUE function.
The TRUE function can be useful when combined with …IFS and …IF functions.