How to use the XOR function
Author: Oscar Cronquist Article last updated on May 18, 2022
The XOR function was introduced in Excel 2013 and calculates the logical exclusive OR meaning if at least one of the arguments evaluates to TRUE then the XOR returns TRUE. All arguments must be evaluated to FALSE for the XOR function to return FALSE.
Formula in cell D3:
=XOR(B3,C3)
Excel Function Syntax
XOR(logical1, [logical2],…)
Arguments
| logical1 | Required. A condition that evaluates to either TRUE or FALSE or their numerical equivalents 1 or 0 (zero). An argument may also be a reference or array. |
| [logical2] | Optional. Up to 253 additional conditions. |
Comments
The XOR function returns #VALUE! error value if no logical values can be found in the arguments.
The XOR function ignores empty and text values, 0 (zero) is evaluated to FALSE and any other value is evaluated to TRUE.
Functions in this article
Functions in 'Logical' category
The XOR function function is one of many functions in the 'Logical' category.
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Returns the boolean opposite to the given argument.
Evaluates a logical expression in each argument and if at least one argument returns TRUE the OR function returns TRUE. If all arguments return FALSE the OR function also returns FALSE.
Shrinks an array to an accumulated value, a LAMBDA function is needed to properly accumulate each value in order to return a total.
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Returns a given value determined by an expression and a list of values.
Returns the logical (boolean) value TRUE.
Calculates the logical exclusive OR meaning if at least one of the arguments evaluates to TRUE then the XOR returns TRUE. All arguments must be evaluated to FALSE for the XOR function to return FALSE.
Excel function categories
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Excel categories
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Excel Tables simplifies your work with data, adding or removing data, filtering, totals, sorting, enhance readability using cell formatting, cell references, formulas, and more.
Allows you to filter data based on selected value , a given text, or other criteria. It also lets you filter existing data or move filtered values to a new location.
Lets you control what a user can type into a cell. It allows you to specifiy conditions and show a custom message if entered data is not valid.
Lets the user work more efficiently by showing a list that the user can select a value from. This lets you control what is shown in the list and is faster than typing into a cell.
Lets you name one or more cells, this makes it easier to find cells using the Name box, read and understand formulas containing names instead of cell references.
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VBA stands for Visual Basic for Applications and is a computer programming language developed by Microsoft, it allows you to automate time-consuming tasks and create custom functions.
A program or subroutine built in VBA that anyone can create. Use the macro-recorder to quickly create your own VBA macros.
UDF stands for User Defined Functions and is custom built functions anyone can create.
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