Excel NOT Function
NOT reverses a TRUE or FALSE result.
Use it when a formula should pass only when a condition is not true, such as not complete, not overdue, not blank, or not matching a blocked value.
NOT syntax & arguments
Syntax
=NOT(logical)
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1
logical
RequiredThe TRUE/FALSE value, cell reference, or condition Excel should reverse.
Example
=NOT(B2="Complete")
Return TRUE when B2 is not Complete, and FALSE when B2 is Complete.
NOT caveats
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NOT returns TRUE or FALSE by itself
Use NOT inside another function when you need a label, number, or alternate calculation instead of a logical value.
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Double negatives are easy to misread
=NOT(B2<>"Complete")works, but=B2="Complete"is usually clearer. -
Errors pass through
If the logical argument returns an error, NOT returns that error instead of converting it to TRUE or FALSE.
Need custom output? Put NOT inside IF when the reversed condition should return a label. Combine it with AND or OR when several tests define what should pass.
Intro NOT practice problem
Solve the intro problem directly here, or open it on its own page.
Advanced NOT practice problems
Use NOT alongside other Excel functions in realistic, less-prescriptive challenges.
