How to Use NOT Function in Excel – 4 Examples

The NOT function in Excel returns the opposite boolean result from the predefined logic in the argument. You may think that the NOT function is a highly wired member of the family of logical functions. But keep in mind ‘’In Microsoft Excel, nothing is provided unnecessarily” 

In this article, we will demonstrate the use of the NOT function by examining some of the most appropriate examples.

Syntax of NOT Function

=NOT(logic)

Argument of NOT Function

logic: required value or logical expression that will be evaluated.

Return of NOT Function

The NOT function will return the reverse or opposite result from the argument provided.

The NOT function will return FALSE if the function’s argument outcomes are TRUE. 

Please see the table below.

Example #1: Simple Example of NOT Function

To properly understand the NOT function’s uses, we will apply some simple logical expressions to the NOT function’s argument.

Explanation:

• We know, the numerical value of TRUE is 1 and FALSE is 0. So, if we input 1 inside the bracket of the NOT function, it will return FALSE. (opposite to TRUE)
• 400 is less than 500. Here, the logical expression 400>500 returns FALSE. So, the NOT function returns TRUE
• As the cell C12 is equal to “Excel,”  the logic  C12=”Excel” returns TRUE. As a result, the NOT function returns FALSE.

Example #2: Application of  NOT Function with Singel logic

In the datasheet below, the employee name and service duration of any company are provided.

You want to find employees whose service duration is more than 2 years.

• Apply the following formula in the output cell D3 and press Enter

=NOT(C3<2)

• Then AutoFill the remaining cells in column D.

Explanation:

• George’s service year is less than two years. So, C3<2 returns TRUE. That’s why NOT(TRUE) returns FALSE.
• For Shelly, the Service year is greater than 2 years. So, C5<2 returns FALSE. As a result, NOT(FALSE) returns TRUE

Example #3: Avoid Blank Cell Using NOT Function

Suppose you are given a datasheet containing the employee’s name and their extra sell quantity as below.

Now you want to give a bonus to the employee according to the following criteria:

• A 10% of extra sell quantity bonus will be provided only if an extra sell quantity is available.

So, we need to avoid blank cells. To perform this, we will use the ISBLANK function.

• Just input the following formula in the output cell D3. Then, press Enter.

=IF(NOT(ISBLANK(C3)),C3*0.1,"Not eligible")

• AutoFill the remaining cell in column D

Explanation:

• If cell C3 is empty, ISBLANK(C3) returns TRUE. 
• NOT(ISBLANK(C3)) returns the opposite result of the result returned by ISBLANK(C3)
• If NOT(ISBLANK(C3)) returns TRUE the IF function multiplies the extra cell by 0.1 which implies the bonus.

Let’s see the formula evaluation for Marloe,

=IF(NOT(ISBLANK(C3)),C3*0.1,"Not eligible")

=IF(NOT(TRUE),C3*0.1,"Not eligible")

=IF(FALSE,C3*0.1,"Not eligible")

=Not eligible

Example #4: Application of NOT Function with Two or More Logical Conditions

To deal with two or more functions with the NOT function, we may apply the OR, AND function.

We can use the OR function to find a specific employee whose extra selling quality is less than 150 or whose extra cell quantity is blank.

=NOT(OR(ISBLANK(C3),C3<150))

Things to Keep in Mind about NOT Function

• In a single formula, the NOT function can handle up to 255 conditions.
• The NOT function is available in Microsoft Excel 2007 and later.
• The NOT function returns a #VALUE! error if there are no logical values in the formula.
• If the formula is written with any mistake, the NOT function returns a #NAME? Error.

Conclusion

In summary, the NOT function in Excel is useful for modifying logical values and circumstances. It can be combined with other logical operations like AND and OR to produce sophisticated logical statements that can aid in the development of data-driven judgments.