Say Goodbye to IF Statements in Excel with SWITCH

This tutorial will show how to use the SWITCH function in Microsoft Excel. We start by exploring the basics of the IF function, a staple in Excel's formula arsenal, to ensure a solid foundation. Then, we introduce the SWITCH function – a lesser-known yet incredibly potent tool in Excel. We'll compare these two functions side-by-side, illustrating how SWITCH can provide cleaner, more readable formulas, especially in scenarios with multiple conditions.
Key highlights of this video include:

A comprehensive overview of IF and SWITCH functions.
Practical examples demonstrating the advantages of SWITCH over nested IF statements.
Step-by-step guidance on how to implement the SWITCH function in real-world scenarios.
Tips for enhancing formula efficiency and readability in your Excel projects.

By the end of this tutorial, you'll be well-equipped to make the switch (pun intended!) from cumbersome IF statements to the elegant simplicity of the SWITCH function. Whether you're managing data, analyzing reports, or love to streamline your Excel workflows, this video is your gateway to next-level Excel proficiency.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction
0:20 Replacing a Nested IF statement with SWITCH
3:21 Using an Operation with the SWITCH function
5:30 Using an IF statement with a nested SWITCH function

[Gorman-]

I am the master of nested IF statements. You have ruined my life. Just kidding. This is great. I cannot wait to replace all of my nested IFs. Thank you.

[highestbuilding]

I didn't know about this function. But after watching your video, I still prefer using tables with the xlookup-function to keep things as variable as possible.

[eng.halmatmuslih]

True “IF” is not handy in this situation, but you can use”IFS” function, same results and neat as much as switch. Thanks for the explanation, another function is added to the line, helpful.

[nathanh]

I always did a vlookup function with a table to change a number to a rating. Also, I find that it is still pretty clean to use 2 digits concat in another table to change a double input into a single output. The formulas are clean that way too. Still, I'm glad to know the switch function exists.

[troelstrc]

Thank you for this - I understand that this video is about the function switch. But for efficiency and future adjustments, I would put all the values into 1 or 2 tables and use the strengths of xlookup to return the desired results, instead of hardcoding it into a formula.

[RichardJJennings]

At 1:30 I realised this is the DECODE function in SQL. Super handy and I no longer need to do those awful nested IFs. Thank you

[garciarogerio]

I use SWITCH it in Power Bi. I normally use IFS to avoid nested if statement. Great one!

[marklutz]

Recently retired, worked with Excel for years and didn't know about switch. Looks very handy, can think of many times I would have chosen that instead of the clumsy "if" statements. Thanks.

[Pronellyllon]

Thank you for this video. While I am known as the Excel genius at my work, I wasn't aware of the Switch function. I am sure I'll be able to have a lot of fun with this function in the future

[terjidjurhuus]

I use Switch in PowerShell all the time, but funnily it never occurred to me that it exists in Excel.

Really useful, thanks!

[Bhavik_Khatri]

Avoid using a switch statement, try using if statement with a VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP already provides the values. Refrain from hard-coding in the formula, etc.

[wnood]

I had never heard of this function and will definetly use it from now on. I regularly miss brackets or put them in the wrong spot doing long clustered IF functions. And can see the ease of modifying a statement if you need to add more options later on. Tx for sharing!

[apoorvagala]

Hi ! Nice video. Very informative about Switch function. Honestly speaking I didn't knew about this until now. Thanks for sharing knowledge.

I read many comments below about usability of this function and suggestions about instead use xlookup, index match and other various function. They may be right in their opinion as xlookup, index are very powerfull. BUT, this tutorial is about Switch function and not about finding alternatives to if function or switch function. See, when these powerfull functions were not available we used to use if function very largely. But now with advancements in MS Excel we get so many new functions with mind blowing capability. It may so happen that one day there would be better function available then xlookup! Who knows. So I would stick to commenting on Switch function and its usability, quality of the video, quality of content of video like language and graphics used, explanation done, example shown and discussed rather then speaking of alternative to switch function.
Overall very interesting and informative video.

[shadeburst]

Happy days! This is the honorable descendant of the CASE statement in good old FoxPro. Well done MS!

[michaelwolf]

I had no idea! Was struggling with “IF” just this week. I can now simply with Switch!! Thanks. 😊

[philipperiondel]

Actually, it is the equivalent of Select case in VBA. Thanks a lot, I did not know this function existed in Excel. It would have saved me a lot of time if I had known it sooner.

[firozmakrani]

Using excel for decades but today I learned about switch. Thanks ❤

[RandyNevers]

Never knew about the switch function before this video. After watching your tutorial, I will incorporate this function into my repertoire! Thanks!😄

[jyotikumarrout]

Wow, this tutorial on using the SWITCH() function is incredibly helpful! I've always struggled with nested IF statements, but this alternative seems much more efficient and organized. Thanks for breaking it down step by step and providing clear examples. Can't wait to start implementing this in my own projects!

[nobodynobody]

With the nested if like this, using a reference lookup table is ideal.

When I use if statement, I mostly use it as argument so the formula will do a different calc