Excel expert David Ringstrom, CPA, begins with a brief discussion of the IF function and then takes you step-by-step beyond the basics. David explains what can go awry with the IF function and ways to improve the integrity of decision-making formulas. David shares alternatives to the IF function, including IFS, CHOOSE, VLOOKUP, SUMIF, and several other worksheet functions. The presentation also explores techniques useful in verifying that formulas such as nested IF statements are working properly.

David demonstrates every technique at least twice: first, on a PowerPoint slide with numbered steps, and second, in Excel 2016. He’ll draw your attention to any differences in Excel 2013, 2010, or 2007 during the presentation as well as in his detailed handouts. David also provides an Excel workbook that includes most of the examples he uses during the webcast.

Topics covered:

• Facilitating decision making within Excel formulas by way of the IF function.
• Testing for two or more alternate conditions by way of the OR function.
• Discovering the capabilities of the SUMPRODUCT function for calculating payroll and other amounts.
• Auditing portions of a formula by using the F9 key to temporarily convert part of a formula to a value.
• Stepping through formulas in slow motion with the Evaluate Formulas feature.
• Employing the SUMIF function to sum values related to multiple instances of criteria you specify.
• Testing for a single condition among two or more that returns TRUE by way of Excel’s XOR function.
• Employing the ISERROR function to determine if a formula returns a # sign error as the basis for triggering alternate calculations.
• Mastering the IFERROR function to display alternate values in lieu of a # sign error.
• Streamlining the decision-making process with the IFS function in Office 365.
• Discovering the range of IS functions that can be used within IF statements to test for various conditions within a worksheet.
• Understanding when you might wish to use ISERROR or ISNA instead of IFERROR.