The SWITCH function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of evaluating a specific expression against a predefined list of cases. It returns the value corresponding to the first matching case, making it easier for users to implement conditional logic in their spreadsheets. This function streamlines decision-making processes and data organization, enhancing the overall functionality of spreadsheets.

Syntax

SWITCH(expression, case1, value1, [case2, value2], ..., [default])

• expression: The value or expression that you want to evaluate.
• case1: The first case to compare against the expression.
• value1: The value returned if case1 matches the expression.
• [case2, value2]: Optional. Additional cases and their corresponding values.
• [default]: Optional. A value returned if none of the cases match.

Example #1

=SWITCH(A1, "Red", "Stop", "Green", "Go", "Yellow", "Caution")

This function evaluates the value in cell A1. If A1 contains “Red”, it returns “Stop”; if it contains “Green”, it returns “Go”; and if it contains “Yellow”, it returns “Caution”. If A1 contains none of these values, the function returns an error. Example Result: If A1 is “Green”, the result will be “Go”.

Example #2

=SWITCH(B1, 1, "Monday", 2, "Tuesday", 3, "Wednesday", "Not a valid day")

This function checks the value in B1. If B1 is 1, it returns “Monday”; if 2, it returns “Tuesday”; if 3, it returns “Wednesday”. If none of the cases match, it defaults to “Not a valid day”. Example Result: If B1 is 2, the result will be “Tuesday”.

Example #3

=SWITCH(D1, "A", 90, "B", 80, "C", 70)

This function assesses the value in D1. If D1 is “A”, it returns 90; if “B”, it returns 80; and if “C”, it returns 70. If D1 matches none of the provided cases, an error is returned. Example Result: If D1 is “C”, the result will be 70.

Error handling

• N/A: This error indicates that none of the provided cases matched the expression, and no default value was specified.
• VALUE!: This error occurs if the parameters are of the wrong type, for instance, if you pass a non-text value in a text case.
• REF!: This error indicates that a cell reference used within the formula is invalid, possibly due to deleted rows or columns.

Conclusion

The SWITCH function is an essential tool for users looking to implement conditional logic in Google Sheets efficiently. By evaluating an expression against a list of defined cases, it simplifies complex decision-making and enhances data management. Understanding its syntax and potential error messages can help users take full advantage of this function, making data handling more seamless and effective.