The XOR function defines exclusive OR. The XOR function in Excel provides a different result for different states. When there are two statements and one of them is TRUE, XOR gives a TRUE. Again if both are TRUE, the outcome will be FALSE. If none of the statements is TRUE, XOR will be FALSE. In this tutorial, we will learn how to use the XOR function in Excel.
Figure 1. Example of How to Use the XOR Function in Excel
Syntax
=XOR(Logical1,[Logical2],….)
- Logical1
This value is required. This value can be an expression, constant, or reference. This could be either FALSE or TRUE. - [Logical2…]|
This value is optional. It can be a same expression, constant, or reference like Logical1.
The XOR Function in Excel
Exclusive OR is used in programming. People use this in coding.
The main purpose of the XOR function is to apply exclusive OR. This formula returns only TRUE or FALSE.
The XOR function is based on the OR function. The value comes in TRUE or FALSE in different logic. For example, suppose there are two statements. The XOR will return TRUE if one of the logic is TRUE. But if both of them are TRUE, the result will not be the same.
Setting Up Data
The following data set contains some logical values. They are in column A and B.
Figure 2. The Sample Data Set
To find the exclusive or using in column C using XOR:
- We need to select cell C2.
- Assign the formula
=XOR (A2, B2)to cell C2. - Press Enter.
- Drag the formula from cells C2 to C6 using the fill handle in the bottom right to copy the formula to the entire column.
Figure 3. Example of Applying the XOR Function
This will show the result of the exclusive OR in column C.
Notes
- The outcomes of exclusive OR will be either TRUE or FALSE. There will be no other outcome.
- This function does not consider blank references.
- The values which are imputed in the function has to be logical. Otherwise, the outcome will show #VALUE!
- XOR will only work in Excel 2013 and later versions.
- When the TRUE logical has an odd number, XOR will return TRUE. Otherwise, it will will be FALSE.
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