TRUE function

TRUE() returns the logical Boolean value TRUE, a constant that can be used in formulas wherever a true condition is needed.

=TRUE()

Generate a TRUE formula

Describe what you need. The generator will reach for TRUE where TRUE is the right tool, and tell you when it is not.

How to get a better answer
  • Name your columns by letter and by header: "column F (Net Value)" beats "the amount column".
  • State every condition, including the negatives — "not cancelled" changes the formula's shape.
  • Say where the data starts if it is not row 1, and whether it will grow.
  • Check the settings above match your spreadsheet: the wrong argument separator is a syntax error on your machine.

Arguments

ArgumentRequiredDescription

Returns

It returns a single Boolean TRUE value.

Availability

Excel: All · Google Sheets: Supported

Worked examples

1. Show a static confirmation that the log is present

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Truck A452002024-03-15320North Garage
Van B178902024-02-10210East Garage
Car C90502024-01-2295South Garage
=IF(TRUE(),"Log loaded","Check data")

Result: Log loaded

The IF function evaluates the first argument. Because TRUE() always returns the Boolean TRUE, the IF chooses its first output, the text "Log loaded". The dataset is shown only to illustrate that the formula does not depend on any cell values; it simply confirms that the sheet containing the fleet maintenance log is active.

2. Validate that at least one truck appears and a constant true is also required

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Truck A452002024-03-15320North Garage
Van B178902024-02-10210East Garage
Car C90502024-01-2295South Garage
=AND(COUNTIF(A2:A4,"Truck*"),TRUE())

Result: TRUE

COUNTIF(A2:A4,"Truck*") returns 1 because "Truck A" matches the pattern. The AND function requires all arguments to be true; the second argument is the constant TRUE() which is always true. Since both conditions are satisfied, AND returns the Boolean TRUE.

3. Replace a division-by-zero error with a constant true

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Truck A452002024-03-15320North Garage
Van B178902024-02-10210East Garage
Car C90502024-01-2295South Garage
=IFERROR(1/0,TRUE())

Result: TRUE

The expression 1/0 triggers a #DIV/0! error. IFERROR catches that error and substitutes the second argument, which is the constant TRUE() function. Consequently the formula returns the Boolean TRUE instead of an error, demonstrating how TRUE can be used as a safe fallback value.

Common errors

Which TRUE error are you seeing?
TRUE returned an error#VALUE!
Remove all arguments and use the plain form =TRUE().
#NAME?
Correct the spelling to the exact name TRUE() with no extra characters.
#REF!
Either create a sheet named TRUE or remove the erroneous sheet reference, leaving just =TRUE().
ErrorWhy it happensHow to fix it
#VALUE!TRUE() was called with one or more arguments, e.g., =TRUE(1). The function is defined to take no parameters, so Excel signals a value-type mismatch.Remove all arguments and use the plain form =TRUE().
#NAME?The function name was misspelled, such as =TRU(). Excel cannot recognize the text as a built-in function and returns the name error.Correct the spelling to the exact name TRUE() with no extra characters.
#REF!A reference to a non-existent sheet named TRUE was made, for example =TRUE!A1. The sheet identifier is interpreted before the function, leading to an invalid reference error.Either create a sheet named TRUE or remove the erroneous sheet reference, leaving just =TRUE().

Tips and when to use something else

  • TRUE always yields the Boolean TRUE; use it when a formula needs a constant logical true.
  • Pair TRUE with NOT to quickly generate FALSE (e.g., =NOT(TRUE())).
  • When you need a constant false instead of true, reach for the FALSE() function rather than manipulating TRUE.
  • If you require a logical test based on cell values, consider IF or IFS instead of hard-coding TRUE.

Related functions

IFThe IF function returns one value if a condition is true and another (or nothing) if it is false, letting you branch logic in a cell.NOTNOT returns the opposite Boolean value of its logical argument, turning TRUE into FALSE and FALSE into TRUE for a single logical input.FALSEFALSE returns the logical value FALSE, useful for creating constant false conditions in formulas and logical tests across Excel and Google Sheets.ANDAND returns TRUE only if every supplied logical argument evaluates to TRUE; otherwise it returns FALSE, making it ideal for multi-condition checks.OROR returns TRUE if any supplied logical expression evaluates to TRUE; otherwise it returns FALSE, handling arrays and single values alike.

Frequently asked questions

What does the TRUE function actually do?
TRUE() is a zero-argument function that returns the Boolean logical value TRUE. It does not examine any cells, ranges, or external data; it simply provides a constant that can be used in logical expressions, conditional branches, or as a placeholder in more complex formulas.
Can I pass a value to TRUE to make it return something else?
No. TRUE is defined without parameters. Supplying any argument, such as =TRUE(0), causes Excel to raise a #VALUE! error because the function signature does not accept inputs. The correct usage is always =TRUE() with empty parentheses.
Why does =TRUE() sometimes show an error in my worksheet?
The most common reasons are typographical mistakes (e.g., =TRU()), adding unintended arguments (=TRUE(1)), or inadvertently referencing a sheet named TRUE (e.g., =TRUE!A1). Each of these situations violates the function's definition and triggers a specific error code that can be resolved by correcting the syntax.
Is there a difference between the Boolean TRUE and the text string "TRUE"?
Yes. The Boolean TRUE is a logical value that participates in logical operations, whereas the text "TRUE" is just a string of characters. Functions that expect a Boolean (like IF, AND, OR) will treat the literal TRUE() correctly, but if you supply the text "TRUE" they may coerce it to a Boolean or treat it as non-numeric, which can lead to unexpected results.

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