Switch

 

This example teaches you how to use the SWITCH function in Excel 2016 or later instead of the IFS function.

1a. For example, the IFS function below finds the correct states.

Ifs Function in Excel

Explanation: cell A2 contains the string 85-UT. The RIGHT function extracts the 2 rightmost characters from this string (UT). As a result, the IFS function returns the correct state (Utah). If the 2 rightmost characters are not equal to UT, TX or OH, the IFS function returns a question mark. Instead of TRUE, you can also use 1=1 or something else that is always TRUE.

1b. The SWITCH function below produces the exact same result but is much easier to read.

Switch Function in Excel

Explanation: if the first argument (RIGHT(A2,2) in this example) equals UT, the SWITCH function returns Utah. If TX, Texas. If OH, Ohio. The last argument (a question mark in this example) is always the default value (if there’s no match).

2. Why not always use the SWITCH function in Excel? There are many examples where you cannot use the SWITCH function instead of the IFS function.

Second Ifs Function

Explanation: because we use”<” and “>=” symbols in this IFS function, we cannot use the SWITCH function.