Have you ever found yourself struggling to compare two specific values in Google Sheets? Well, worry no more! The EQ function in Google Sheets is here to save the day.
What is the EQ function?
The EQ function in Google Sheets is used to compare two values and returns “TRUE” if they are equal, and “FALSE” otherwise. It is similar to using the “=” or equal sign. This function simplifies your spreadsheet and makes it more understandable, especially for new users. By using the EQ function, you can instantly see if two given values are equal or not, thus avoiding any erroneous formulas or inconsistent information in your sheets.
Now, let’s dive into how you can use the EQ function in Google Sheets.
An Overview of the EQ function
The syntax of the EQ function is as follows:
=EQ(value1, value2)Let’s break down each part of the function to understand what’s happening:
- “=” is the equal sign that starts every function in Google Sheets.
- EQ is the name of our function.
- value1 is the first value to compare.
- value2 is an optional second value to compare. If not provided, its default value is zero.
This function can compare not only values but also numbers in your engineering functions using the DELTA function, which returns 1 and 0.
A Real-World Example of Using the EQ Function
You might be wondering why the EQ function exists when there are other ways to compare two values. Well, the EQ function makes it easier to create conditions in Google Sheets and enables you to build complex formulas. Having a function that returns a specific value (in this case, TRUE) if two values are equal can be quite handy in various specific tasks.
Let’s take a look at an example to see how we can use the EQ function in Google Sheets.
Visualizing Matching Values in Google Sheets
This is a simple problem that helps you understand the function’s purpose.
The function takes up to 2 arguments, so in the equation, it would look like this:
=EQ($C$2, C5)Notice that we added dollar signs ($) to lock the value in the “Winning Team” cell.
Now, you’ll have a handy list that allows you to quickly sort the winners and losers of the draw. This simple problem can be practiced to perfection. Click here to get a copy of this problem set.
How to Use the EQ Function in Google Sheets
In this section, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step procedure on how to use the EQ function in Google Sheets.
Let’s work on finding the winners in the winning team.
Using the EQ Function in Google Sheets
- Start by preparing your spreadsheet with the information you want to check.
- Begin filling in the EQ function.
- Refer to the cell containing the information you want to compare. Add a dollar sign ($) before the column and row reference in the cell names to lock it to that reference.
- Use a comma to start filling in the next value.
- Choose the cell you want to compare. Notice that you get a preview.
- Next, press Enter. You can now choose to copy the formula by dragging it down the list or let Google Sheets automatically fill in the formula, as shown in the screenshot below.
- The formula is now complete, so close it. You’re done!
The EQ function can help you organize your spreadsheet and avoid errors in your calculations. This will definitely come in handy as you work on your future sheets.
And there you have it – now you can use the EQ function in Google Sheets, along with many other powerful formulas, to create even more efficient calculations.
For more tips on Google Sheets, visit Crawlan.com.
