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How to Build Conditional Text with the IF Function

Learn how to create dynamic text that changes based on product values using Excel's IF function.

When to Use This​

Use the IF function when you need to:

  • Create different text for different product types
  • Include attributes only when they exist
  • Build dynamic meta titles or descriptions
  • Handle variations between simple and configurable products

Understanding the IF Function​

The IF function checks a condition and returns different values depending on whether the condition is true or false.

Syntax​

=IF(Check; Then_Value; Other_Value)

Parameters​

  • Check: A comparison that returns TRUE or FALSE
  • Then_Value: What to return if the check is TRUE
  • Other_Value: What to return if the check is FALSE

Comparison Operators​

Use these operators in your checks:

OperatorMeaningExampleResult
=Equal to1=1TRUE
=Equal to"Dog"="Cat"FALSE
<>Not equal to"Dog"<>"Cat"TRUE
>Greater than1>0TRUE
<Less than1<2TRUE

Step-by-Step: Add Size to Meta Title for Simple Products​

This example shows how to include a "Size" attribute in the meta title only for simple products (not for configurable products where the attribute is empty).

Step 1: Create the IF Formula​

Click on the cell next to your meta title column and enter:

=IF([@Type]="simple";"Size ";""

What this does:

  • Checks if the Type column contains "simple"
  • If TRUE: returns "Size " (with a space)
  • If FALSE: returns empty text ""

Step 2: Add to CONCATENATE​

Now incorporate this into your CONCATENATE function for the meta title:

=CONCATENATE([@Brand];" ";IF([@Type]="simple";"Size ";"");[@[Shoe Size]];" ";[@Color])

Result:

  • Simple products: "Nike Size 42 Black"
  • Configurable products: "Nike Black" (no size)

Common Use Cases​

Check if Value is Empty​

=IF([@[Special Price]]="";"Regular Price";"On Sale")

Shows "On Sale" if a special price exists, otherwise "Regular Price".

Check Numeric Values​

=IF([@Stock]>100;"In Stock";"Low Stock")

Shows "In Stock" for products with more than 100 units.

Multiple Conditions with Nested IF​

=IF([@Stock]>100;"In Stock";IF([@Stock]>0;"Low Stock";"Out of Stock"))

Creates three-level stock status based on quantity.

Tips​

  • Always use double quotes around text values: "simple"
  • Column references use brackets: [@Type]
  • Separate parameters with semicolons (;)
  • The Then_Value and Other_Value must be specified, even if empty ("")
  • Use nested IF statements for multiple conditions

Troubleshooting​

Formula not calculating?

  • Check that cell format is set to "Standard", not "Text"
  • Right-click cell > Format Cells > Select "Standard"

Getting #VALUE! error?

  • Ensure you're comparing the same data types (text with text, numbers with numbers)
  • Check for extra spaces in your text comparisons

Wrong result?

  • Verify your comparison operator (= vs <> vs > vs <)
  • Test your condition in a separate cell to see if it returns TRUE or FALSE