The FALSE function is a Google Sheets command that is used to represent a ‘false’ value.
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The FALSE function is a relatively simple function that holds a ‘false’ value in a conditional statement. This is the opposite of the TRUE function, which alternatively also holds the ‘true’ value.
Whenever you’re checking if an operation or set of conditions is true or false, using the FALSE function will help the process.
Here’s a quick example.
Let’s say you want to set up a to-do list on Google Sheets. You’ll need a way to differentiate complete and incomplete tasks.
So how do we go about this?
Simple. Since the tasks are either done or not done, we can visualize completed tasks as TRUE values while incomplete tasks remain FALSE. With a data table full of your tasks and a TRUE/FALSE completion indicator beside every task, you’ll be able to make a fully functional to-do list.
We’ll explain this in-depth later on with a more detailed example, after going over the specific components of the FALSE function.
The Anatomy of the FALSE Function.
The syntax (the way we write) of FALSE functions is pretty simple.
=FALSE()
Let’s identify what each term means and understand how we can implement this function.
- = every function begins with an equal sign in Google Sheets.
- FALSE is the function that represents a ‘false’ value.
With the FALSE function, you’ll be able to use a definite value that you can use operations with. You can use the FALSE function to compare other FALSE or TRUE cells with a conditional statement. The FALSE function doesn’t receive any input values inside the ‘()’, because the function itself is already a value.
The advantage of using the FALSE function is by having a universal way of checking whether something is true or not. By utilizing this function, you’ll be able to create spreadsheets that can answer yes or no questions.
A Real Example of Using the FALSE Function.
Let’s look at this simple example below to see how we can use the FALSE function in Google Sheets.
Create a Simple To-Do List in Google Sheets
In this simple problem, we’ll be creating a simple to-do list on Google Sheets.
The function with a cell reference is:
=FALSE()
As a result, tasks ‘Send an email’ and ‘Buy some groceries’ are still FALSE because these tasks are not yet completed.
You can try this quick and simple example yourself! Click on the link below to make a copy of our spreadsheet sample:
How To Use The FALSE Function in Google Sheets.
In this section, we’ll walk you through a quick step-by-step guide on how to use the FALSE function in Google Sheets.
Creating a To-Do List With the False Function in Google Sheets
- Let’s start by populating the spreadsheet with the necessary data. After that, let’s set all the tasks to FALSE under the Status column since they are not yet completed. Click on the status next to the first task to begin. For this example, we’ll be using C4.
- Next, type in ‘=’ to start off the function. Type in ‘false‘ or ‘FALSE’ to implement the FALSE function. You can also auto-complete the function if you don’t feel like typing the entire thing.
- Then, finish the function by pressing enter. The FALSE function does not accept any input values or parameters, so the ‘()’ is left blank.
- We’ll be setting all the tasks as FALSE, so to do this quickly, we’ll be copying and pasting the function across all the tasks. Click on the C4 cell and on your keyboard, press CTRL + C. If you successfully copied the cell, there should be a border of broken lines to indicate that it was copied successfully.
- Now click and drag your mouse from the starting cell all the way down the column to the last task.
- Use the hotkey CTRL + V to paste the FALSE function throughout all the highlighted cells.
- Finally, your to-do list for the day is done! You can change the FALSE function to the TRUE function by typing in ‘=TRUE’ and hitting enter. Now, you’ll be able to individually mark your tasks as done!
That concludes this simple tutorial! You can now use the FALSE function together with other Google Sheets formulas and create more creative and amazing formulas.
