When working with Google Sheets, you may have come across the symbol “<>” in formulas and functions. This symbol is often used in conditional formatting, filtering, and other data manipulation tasks. But what does it really mean? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of “<>” in Google Sheets, exploring its uses, examples, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, this post will help you master the “<>” symbol and take your Google Sheets skills to the next level.
What is the “<>” Symbol in Google Sheets?
The “<>” symbol is a logical operator in Google Sheets, used to represent “not equal to.” It’s often used in conditional formatting, filtering, and data validation to exclude specific values or ranges. When used in a formula, “<>” returns TRUE if the values on either side of the symbol are not equal, and FALSE otherwise.
Examples of “<>” in Formulas
Here are some examples of how “<>” is used in formulas:
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| =A1<>B1 | Returns TRUE if the values in cells A1 and B1 are not equal. |
| =A1:A10<>10 | Returns an array of TRUE/FALSE values, indicating which cells in the range A1:A10 are not equal to 10. |
| =SUMIF(A1:A10, “<>10″) | Returns the sum of all values in the range A1:A10 that are not equal to 10. |
Using “<>” in Conditional Formatting
Conditional formatting is a powerful feature in Google Sheets that allows you to highlight cells based on specific conditions. The “<>” symbol is often used in conditional formatting rules to exclude specific values or ranges.
Example: Highlighting Cells that are Not Equal to a Specific Value
Suppose you want to highlight all cells in the range A1:A10 that are not equal to 10. You can create a conditional formatting rule using the following formula:
=A1:A10<>10
This formula will return TRUE for all cells in the range A1:A10 that are not equal to 10, and the cells will be highlighted accordingly.
Example: Highlighting Cells that are Not Blank
Suppose you want to highlight all cells in the range A1:A10 that are not blank. You can create a conditional formatting rule using the following formula:
=A1:A10<>” “
This formula will return TRUE for all cells in the range A1:A10 that are not blank, and the cells will be highlighted accordingly.
Using “<>” in Filtering
Filtering is another essential feature in Google Sheets that allows you to narrow down your data based on specific conditions. The “<>” symbol is often used in filter criteria to exclude specific values or ranges. (See Also: How to Copy a Formula on Google Sheets? Efficiently)
Example: Filtering Out Specific Values
Suppose you want to filter out all rows in your dataset that contain the value “USA” in column A. You can create a filter criterion using the following formula:
=A:A<> “USA”
This formula will return TRUE for all rows in the dataset that do not contain the value “USA” in column A, and the rows will be filtered accordingly.
Example: Filtering Out Blank Cells
Suppose you want to filter out all rows in your dataset that contain blank cells in column A. You can create a filter criterion using the following formula:
=A:A<> “”
This formula will return TRUE for all rows in the dataset that do not contain blank cells in column A, and the rows will be filtered accordingly.
Best Practices for Using “<>” in Google Sheets
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using the “<>” symbol in Google Sheets:
Use “<>” instead of “!=”: While “!=” is also a valid operator in Google Sheets, “<>” is more commonly used and easier to read.
Use “<>” with caution in large datasets: Using “<>” in large datasets can slow down your spreadsheet, especially if you’re using it in formulas that need to iterate over thousands of rows.
Use “<>” in combination with other operators: “<>” can be used in combination with other operators, such as AND, OR, and NOT, to create more complex conditional statements. (See Also: How to Save Spreadsheet in Google Sheets? Effortlessly)
Common Errors and Troubleshooting
Here are some common errors and troubleshooting tips when using the “<>” symbol in Google Sheets:
Error: #N/A or #VALUE!
If you’re getting a #N/A or #VALUE! error when using “<>“, it’s likely because the formula is trying to compare a value to a range or array. Make sure to use the correct syntax and formatting in your formula.
Error: Formula Not Working as Expected
If your formula is not working as expected, try checking the following:
Make sure the “<>” symbol is used correctly in the formula.
Check the formatting of the values being compared.
Verify that the formula is being applied to the correct range or cells.
Recap and Key Takeaways
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the uses and examples of the “<>” symbol in Google Sheets. We’ve also covered best practices, common errors, and troubleshooting tips to help you master the “<>” symbol and take your Google Sheets skills to the next level.
Here are the key takeaways:
The “<>” symbol is a logical operator in Google Sheets, used to represent “not equal to.”
It’s often used in conditional formatting, filtering, and data validation to exclude specific values or ranges.
Use “<>” with caution in large datasets, and consider using it in combination with other operators to create more complex conditional statements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between “<>” and “!=”?
The “<>” and “!=” symbols are both used to represent “not equal to” in Google Sheets. However, “<>” is more commonly used and easier to read, while “!=” is more commonly used in programming languages.
Can I use “<>” in Google Sheets formulas with multiple criteria?
Yes, you can use “<>” in Google Sheets formulas with multiple criteria using the AND and OR operators. For example: =A1:A10<>10 AND B1:B10<>20.
How do I use “<>” in Google Sheets to exclude multiple values?
You can use “<>” in Google Sheets to exclude multiple values by using the OR operator. For example: =A1:A10<>10 OR A1:A10<>20.
Can I use “<>” in Google Sheets with text values?
Yes, you can use “<>” in Google Sheets with text values. For example: =A1:A10<>“USA” will return TRUE for all cells in the range A1:A10 that do not contain the text “USA”.
How do I troubleshoot errors when using “<>” in Google Sheets?
To troubleshoot errors when using “<>” in Google Sheets, check the formula syntax, formatting, and range references. Also, verify that the formula is being applied to the correct range or cells.