Excel NOT Function
last modified April 4, 2025
The NOT function is a logical function in Excel that reverses the
value of its argument. It returns TRUE when given FALSE and FALSE when given
TRUE. This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to using the NOT
function with detailed examples. You'll learn basic syntax, practical
applications, and how to combine it with other functions.
NOT Function Basics
The NOT function is one of Excel's logical functions that performs
a simple but essential operation: it reverses the logical value of its argument.
It's particularly useful in conditional tests and logical expressions.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Function Name | NOT |
| Syntax | =NOT(logical) |
| Arguments | 1 logical expression or value |
| Return Value | Reversed logical value (TRUE/FALSE) |
This table breaks down the essential components of the NOT
function. It shows the function name, basic syntax format, argument
requirements, and return value characteristics.
Basic NOT Example
This example demonstrates the simplest use of the NOT function with a direct logical value.
=NOT(TRUE)
This formula takes the logical value TRUE and returns its opposite, FALSE. This shows the fundamental operation of the NOT function - reversing logical values.
NOT with Cell References
A more practical use of NOT involves referencing cells containing
logical values. Here's an example with cell references.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| TRUE | |
| =NOT(A1) |
The table shows a simple spreadsheet with a logical value in cell A1 and a
NOT formula in cell B2 that reverses the value from A1.
=NOT(A1)
This formula reverses the logical value in cell A1. Since A1 contains TRUE, the result will be FALSE. Using cell references makes NOT more flexible in real-world spreadsheets.
NOT with Comparison Operators
NOT is often used with comparison operators to reverse their results. This example shows NOT combined with a greater-than comparison.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 15 | |
| 10 | |
| =NOT(A1>A2) |
This table demonstrates how NOT can be combined with comparison operators. The expression A1>A2 would normally return TRUE, but NOT reverses this to FALSE.
=NOT(A1>A2)
This formula checks if A1 (15) is greater than A2 (10), which is TRUE, then NOT reverses this to FALSE. This technique is useful for creating "is not" type conditions.
NOT with IF Function
NOT is frequently combined with the IF function to create reverse conditions. This example shows this powerful combination.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| FALSE | |
| =IF(NOT(A1), "Approved", "Denied") |
The table illustrates how NOT can be used within an IF function to reverse the logic of the condition. Since A1 is FALSE, NOT makes it TRUE for the IF test.
=IF(NOT(A1), "Approved", "Denied")
This formula checks the reversed value of A1 (FALSE becomes TRUE) and returns "Approved" because the condition is met. This pattern is common in decision-making formulas.
NOT with AND/OR Functions
NOT can be combined with AND or OR functions to create more complex logical tests. This example demonstrates NOT with AND.
| A | B | C |
|---|---|---|
| TRUE | FALSE | |
| =NOT(AND(A1,B1)) |
This table shows how NOT can invert the result of an AND function. The AND of TRUE and FALSE is FALSE, which NOT then converts to TRUE.
=NOT(AND(A1,B1))
This formula checks if both A1 and B1 are TRUE (they're not), then NOT reverses the FALSE result to TRUE. This creates a "not both" condition, useful in many scenarios.
NOT with Numeric Values
NOT treats numeric values as logical values where 0 is FALSE and any other number is TRUE. This example demonstrates this behavior.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 0 | |
| 1 | |
| =NOT(A1) | |
| =NOT(A2) |
The table shows how NOT interprets numeric values. A1 (0) is treated as FALSE, so NOT returns TRUE. A2 (1) is treated as TRUE, so NOT returns FALSE.
=NOT(A1) =NOT(A2)
These formulas demonstrate NOT's handling of numbers. The first returns TRUE because 0 is FALSE. The second returns FALSE because 1 is TRUE. This automatic conversion is helpful in numeric contexts.
NOT with Text Values
NOT treats text values in a specific way - most text is considered TRUE, while empty strings ("") are FALSE. This example shows this behavior.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| "Hello" | |
| "" | |
| =NOT(A1) | |
| =NOT(A2) |
The table demonstrates NOT's handling of text values. A1 ("Hello") is treated as TRUE, so NOT returns FALSE. A2 (empty string) is treated as FALSE, so NOT returns TRUE.
=NOT(A1) =NOT(A2)
These formulas show NOT's text handling. The first returns FALSE because non-empty text is TRUE. The second returns TRUE because an empty string is FALSE. This is useful for text-based conditions.
NOT with Error Values
If the argument to NOT is an error value, NOT will return the same error. This example demonstrates this behavior.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| #N/A | |
| =NOT(A1) |
The table shows how NOT reacts when given an error value. The #N/A error in A1 causes the NOT function to also return #N/A, propagating the error.
=NOT(A1)
This formula attempts to reverse the logical value of A1, but since A1 contains an error, the formula returns the same error. Error handling would be needed to prevent this.
NOT in Conditional Formatting
NOT can be used in conditional formatting rules to apply formatting when a condition is not met. This example shows a practical application.
=NOT(A1>100)
This formula would be used in a conditional formatting rule to format cells where the value is NOT greater than 100. When A1 contains 50, the condition would be TRUE and formatting applied.
The NOT function is a versatile tool in Excel's logical function
arsenal. From simple value reversal to complex conditional tests combined with
other functions, NOT provides essential logical inversion capabilities.
Mastering NOT will enhance your ability to create sophisticated logical tests
and decision-making formulas in Excel.
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