LT function

Returns TRUE if the first value is strictly less than the second, FALSE otherwise; useful for conditional logic and filtering.

=LT(value1, value2)

Generate a LT formula

Describe what you need. The generator will reach for LT where LT 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

How LT reads its arguments
value1requiredvalue2requiredLT →
ArgumentRequiredDescription
value1RequiredThe number, date, or text string to compare. If blank, LT treats it as zero or an empty string depending on context, which may produce unexpected results.
value2RequiredThe threshold value to compare against. If blank, LT treats it as zero or an empty string depending on context.

Returns

A boolean value (TRUE or FALSE).

Availability

Excel: Not available · Google Sheets: Supported

Worked examples

1. Check if a service cost is below budget

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Van-101450002026-09-01250Downtown
=LT(D2, 200)

Result: FALSE

The service cost $250, which is not less than the $200 threshold, so LT returns FALSE. The comparison is strict—only values that are strictly smaller than 200 return TRUE.

2. Mark services by mileage category

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Van-101450002026-09-01250Downtown
=IF(LT(B2, 50000), "Low mileage", "High mileage")

Result: Low mileage

Van-101's odometer shows 45,000 miles, which is less than 50,000, so LT returns TRUE and IF displays "Low mileage". This nested pattern categorizes maintenance records by threshold values.

3. Filter all low-cost maintenance records

VehicleOdometerService DateCostGarage
Van-101450002026-09-01250Downtown
Car-205125002026-09-1085Midtown
Truck-312789002026-08-15520Airport
=FILTER(A2:E4, LT(D2:D4, 300))

Result: Van-101450002026-09-01250DowntownCar-205125002026-09-1085Midtown

FILTER applies LT to each row's cost (column D), returning only services under $300. Van-101 ($250) and Car-205 ($85) qualify; Truck-312 ($520) is excluded because 520 is not less than 300.

Common errors

Which LT error are you seeing?
LT returned an error#VALUE!
Ensure both value1 and value2 are the same type, or convert explicitly: =LT(VALUE("250"), 300).
#NULL!
Verify both ranges have identical dimensions: =LT(D2:D4, B2:B4).
#N/A
Wrap in IFERROR to gracefully handle no matches: =IFERROR(FILTER(A:E, LT(D:D, 50)), "No matching records").
ErrorWhy it happensHow to fix it
#VALUE!Comparing incompatible types, such as =LT("Van-101", 300), where you're comparing text in one argument to a number in the other.Ensure both value1 and value2 are the same type, or convert explicitly: =LT(VALUE("250"), 300).
#NULL!Using mismatched array ranges with LT in an array formula, such as =LT(D2:D4, B2:B5) where one range has 3 cells and the other has 4.Verify both ranges have identical dimensions: =LT(D2:D4, B2:B4).
#N/AUsing LT with FILTER when no rows match the condition, returning an empty set: =FILTER(A:E, LT(D:D, 50)) with all costs exceeding 50.Wrap in IFERROR to gracefully handle no matches: =IFERROR(FILTER(A:E, LT(D:D, 50)), "No matching records").

Tips and when to use something else

  • LT evaluates only two values per call; to apply it to entire columns, wrap it in FILTER, BYROW, or an array formula.
  • LT compares dates chronologically: =LT(DATE(2026,9,1), DATE(2026,9,15)) returns TRUE because September 1st is earlier than September 15th.
  • For "less than or equal" logic, use LTE instead—LT is strict inequality, so =LT(250, 250) returns FALSE.
  • LT also compares text alphabetically: =LT("Downtown", "Midtown") returns TRUE. Use this for simple text range checks, but GTE/LTE may be clearer.

Related functions

LTELTE checks if one value is less than or equal to another, returning TRUE or FALSE; use it to test spend, thresholds, or any numeric comparison.GTGT tests whether the first value is strictly greater than the second value, returning TRUE if so and FALSE if not.EQEQ returns TRUE if two values are exactly equal, FALSE otherwise. Use it to compare values in spreadsheet logic.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.FILTERReturns filtered rows from an array based on a boolean criteria array, retaining the original order and all columns.

Frequently asked questions

Does LT work with dates in my maintenance log?
Yes, LT compares dates chronologically. For example, =LT(DATE(2026,9,1), DATE(2026,9,15)) returns TRUE. This is useful for checking whether a service date falls before a deadline or threshold.
What's the difference between LT and LTE?
LT returns TRUE only for strictly less than; LTE includes equal. So =LT(250, 250) returns FALSE, but =LTE(250, 250) returns TRUE. Use LTE when the boundary value should be included.
Can LT compare text values?
Yes, LT compares text alphabetically. =LT("Downtown", "Midtown") returns TRUE because "D" comes before "M". This works with any character data, though it may be less intuitive than numeric comparisons.
How do I combine LT with multiple conditions?
Use AND inside FILTER to check multiple LT conditions: =FILTER(A:E, AND(LT(D:D, 300), LT(B:B, 50000))) returns only records with cost under $300 AND mileage under 50,000. Chain multiple LT calls with AND as needed.

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Reviewed 2026-09-17