The EQ function in Google Sheets is used to compare two specified values, and returns the value ‘TRUE’ if they are equal and ‘FALSE’ otherwise.
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This function is useful because it helps you to immediately see if two given values are equal or not. This function is comparable to using the ‘=’ or an equals sign.
The function keeps everything in your spreadsheet straightforward and understandable for new users. This will avoid broken formulas and mismatched information in your spreadsheets at the end of the day, which will make you run into some difficulties with your overall data in the long run.
Let’s look at an example.
You have a spreadsheet that details the answer that some people have reported on their modules, but you also have a record of the same module. You want to go through the whole class and see if the reported and actual answers are the same.
How should we go about this problem?
The EQ function takes in the two inputs and determines if they are equal or not. Instead of scanning the entire spreadsheet and using arbitrary formulas that offer no explanation, this is a helpful tool that will allow for such a calculation to take place in a neat manner.
The Anatomy of EQ Function in Google Sheets
The syntax of the EQ function is as follows:
=EQ(value1, value2)
Let’s have a look at each part of the function to understand what is going on here:
=is the equals sign that starts off any function in Google Sheets.EQis the name of our function.value1is the first value to be compared.value2is the optional second value to be compared. If it’s not provided, its default is zero.
This function can compare values. If you need to compare numbers in your engineering functions, you can also use the DELTA function, which returns 1 and 0.
A Real Example of Using EQ Function
You may be curious as to why the EQ function exists, when there are other ways to compare two values.
The EQ function helps to create conditions in Google Sheets to make it easy to create complex formulas. It is helpful to have a function that returns a certain value (in this case, TRUE) should two values be equal. This is helpful in a variety of very specific tasks.
Let’s look at the example below to see how to use the EQ function in Google Sheets.
Viewing the matching values in Google Sheets
This is a simple problem. It is a simplified task to help you understand what the function can be used for.
The function takesup to 2 arguments. So in the equation, it will look like:
=EQ($C$2, C5)
Note that we added dollar signs to lock the value in the Winning Team cell.
You should now see a helpful list that will allow you to sort through the winners and losers of the draw quickly. This simple problem can be practiced to perfection. Use the link below to get a copy of this problem set:
How to Use EQ Function in Google Sheets
In this section, we will show you a step-by-step process on how to use the EQ function in Google Sheets.
In this problem, we will find the winners in the winning team.
Using EQ Function In Google Sheets
- To begin, prepare your spreadsheet with the information you want to check.
- Start to fill in the
EQfunction.
- Start by referring to the cell with the information you want to compare. Add the dollar sign ‘$’ before the column and row reference in the cell names so that it locks to that reference.
- Use a comma to start filling in the next value.
- Chose the cell you want to compare. Note that you’ll get a preview.
- Next, hit enter. You can now choose to copy the formula by dragging it down the list, or Google Sheets can also prompt you to autofill the formula, like in the screenshot below.
- This formula is now finished, so close the formula. You’re now done!
The EQ function can help tidy up your spreadsheet. This should definitely help you avoid mistakes in your spreadsheets in the future, too.
And there you have it – you can now use the EQ function in Google Sheets together with the other numerous Google Sheets formulas to create even more effective formulas.
