GTE function

GTE returns TRUE when the first value is greater than or equal to the second, useful for filtering maintenance records by cost thresholds or mileage milestones.

=GTE(value1, value2)

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

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Arguments

How GTE reads its arguments
value1requiredvalue2requiredGTE
ArgumentRequiredDescription
value1RequiredThe first value to compare; can be a number, text, cell reference, or formula result.
value2RequiredThe second value for comparison; must be the same type as value1.

Returns

A boolean value (TRUE or FALSE) indicating whether the comparison condition is met.

Availability

Excel: Not available · Google Sheets: Supported

Worked examples

1. Flag high-cost services for auditing

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Tesla S-100450002024-01-15250Downtown Auto
=GTE(D2, 400)

Result: FALSE

The formula compares the service cost (D2: $250) against the $400 threshold. Since $250 is not >= $400, the result is FALSE, indicating this service should not be flagged for high-cost auditing.

2. Identify vehicles requiring major service

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Ford Truck-1051200002024-03-10800Main Street
=GTE(B2, 100000)

Result: TRUE

The truck's odometer (B2: 120,000 miles) is compared to the major service milestone (100,000 miles). Since 120,000 >= 100,000, the formula returns TRUE, triggering major service requirements.

3. Verify services exceed minimum cost threshold

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Honda Civic-102682002024-05-12500Main Street
=GTE(D2, 300)

Result: TRUE

The Honda's service cost (D2: $500) is compared against the minimum threshold of $300. Since $500 >= $300, the result is TRUE, confirming the service meets or exceeds the required cost baseline.

Common errors

Which GTE error are you seeing?
GTE returned an error#VALUE!
Convert text values to numbers using VALUE() function or ensure all cost data is stored as numbers: =GTE(VALUE(D2), 400).
#N/A
Verify source cells contain valid data by checking upstream formulas and ensuring no referenced cells have been cleared or contain error values.
#REF!
Update the formula to reference valid columns: if the Cost column moved from D to E, change =GTE(D2, 400) to =GTE(E2, 400).
ErrorWhy it happensHow to fix it
#VALUE!Attempting to compare a text string with a number, such as =GTE('Premium', 400), when cost data is stored as text instead of numeric values.Convert text values to numbers using VALUE() function or ensure all cost data is stored as numbers: =GTE(VALUE(D2), 400).
#N/AOne or both arguments reference cells containing missing data, an error value, or deleted content.Verify source cells contain valid data by checking upstream formulas and ensuring no referenced cells have been cleared or contain error values.
#REF!A column or row reference in the formula has been deleted, leaving the GTE formula pointing to an invalid cell location.Update the formula to reference valid columns: if the Cost column moved from D to E, change =GTE(D2, 400) to =GTE(E2, 400).

Tips and when to use something else

  • GTE works best for threshold-based filtering; combine with IF() to return meaningful text: =IF(GTE(B2, 100000), 'Major Service', 'Routine').
  • For compound conditions like 'high cost AND high mileage,' use AND(): =AND(GTE(D2, 400), GTE(B2, 50000)).
  • Use LTE() to find records below a threshold instead; for example, =LTE(D2, 300) finds services costing $300 or less.
  • To filter entire maintenance rows by a GTE condition, use FILTER(): =FILTER(maintenanceLog, GTE(costColumn, 400)).

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between GTE and GT?
GTE returns TRUE at equality; GT does not. GTE(500, 500) returns TRUE, but GT(500, 500) returns FALSE. Use GTE for 'at least' and GT for 'more than' comparisons.
Can GTE compare text values?
Yes; GTE compares text alphabetically. However, text-stored numbers may not sort correctly; ensure odometer and cost data are stored as numeric types, not text strings.
How do I use GTE with multiple conditions?
Combine with AND() or OR() functions: =AND(GTE(D2, 400), GTE(B2, 50000)) finds expensive services on high-mileage vehicles. Or use nested IF() statements for more complex logic.
What if I compare dates using GTE?
Dates stored as numbers compare correctly; 2024-03-10 >= 2024-01-15 evaluates properly. Ensure date formats are consistent to avoid comparison errors.

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Reviewed 2026-09-17