MS Excel: TRUE function to return true value

Excel formulas often rely on logical values like TRUE and FALSE to make decisions. These values form the foundation for conditions, comparisons, filters, and complex calculations. While you may encounter TRUE frequently as a result of a comparison (=A1=100), Excel also includes a standalone TRUE function.

This article explores what TRUE is, how and when to use it, and why it’s essential for building reliable, logic-driven spreadsheets.

The TRUE function is a logical function that simply returns the Boolean value TRUE.

Syntax

=TRUE()

Or, in many cases, you can use TRUE directly without parentheses:

=TRUE

Both return the Boolean value: TRUE.

Why Use the TRUE Function?

Even though typing =TRUE or just using logical expressions (like A1>10) may seem simple, the TRUE function can be useful for:

• Explicit logic in formulas

• Named ranges or constants

• Conditional formatting

• Data validation

• Toggles for user controls

Example 1: Logical Comparisons

=A1>100

Returns TRUE if A1 is greater than 100.

This is not the same as the TRUE() function itself, but it produces the same logical result (TRUE or FALSE), which Excel uses for decisions.

Example 2: Use in IF Statement

=IF(TRUE, "Approved", "Denied")

Always returns "Approved" because the logical test is always TRUE.

Example 3: Create a Toggle Switch

You can place =TRUE in a cell (e.g., B1) and write a formula like:

=IF(B1, "Show Chart", "Hide Chart")

This works as a manual toggle—change B1 to FALSE, and the output switches accordingly.

Example 4: Data Validation

In Data Validation or Conditional Formatting, you can use =TRUE or link to a formula that returns TRUE to apply a rule or format conditionally.

Example 5: Combined with AND / OR

=AND(A1>50, TRUE)

Result is equivalent to A1>50—but TRUE here makes the logical structure clearer.

TRUE vs. "TRUE" (as text)

Expression	Type	Result
=TRUE	Boolean	TRUE
="TRUE"	Text string	"TRUE" (not logical)
=TRUE=1	Logical check	TRUE
="TRUE"=TRUE	Returns FALSE	Because "TRUE" is text, not logic

Always use the unquoted version when working with logical functions.

Summary Table

Feature	Details
Function Name	TRUE
Category	Logical
Purpose	Returns the Boolean value TRUE
Use In	IF, AND, OR, conditional formatting, toggles
Common Mistake	Confusing "TRUE" (text) with TRUE (logic)
Excel Version	All versions

Related Functions

Function	Purpose
FALSE()	Returns Boolean FALSE
IF()	Performs logical tests
AND()	Returns TRUE if all arguments are true
OR()	Returns TRUE if any argument is true
NOT()	Reverses a logical value

Final Thoughts

While simple, the TRUE function is a critical building block of Excel logic. It provides clarity and structure to formulas, especially when used in conditional logic, toggles, or user-driven spreadsheets.

Use TRUE (not "TRUE") for any formulas requiring actual logical evaluation—especially when combining with IF, AND, OR, or dynamic dashboards.