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I want to use formulas with less than and greater than values. How are these functions keyed?

James Glathar 0 Reputation points
2026-03-01T08:15:32.7333333+00:00

How are less than and greater than functions keyed into formulas?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Excel | For education | Other
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  1. AI answer

    2026-03-01T08:15:39.2033333+00:00

    Use the comparison operators directly on the keyboard inside the formula.

    In Excel, SharePoint lists, and similar Microsoft 365 apps, type:

    • Greater than: >
      Example: =A1>10
    • Less than: <
      Example: =A1<10
    • Greater than or equal to: >=
      Example: =A1>=10
    • Less than or equal to: <=
      Example: =A1<=10
    • Equal to: =
      Example: =A1=10
    • Not equal to: <>
      Example: =A1<>10

    These operators return TRUE/FALSE or can be used inside functions such as IF, COUNTIF, SUMIF, etc. For example:

    • =IF(A1>10,"Over 10","10 or less")
    • =COUNTIF(A1:A10,">5")

    On a standard keyboard, > and < are typed with Shift plus the comma/period keys.

    References:

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  2. Liora D 15,800 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-03-01T11:21:37.43+00:00

    Dear @James Glathar,

    Welcome to Microsoft Q&A. 

    Thank you for your question, to confirm, are you referring to Excel formulas when using less than and greater than values?

    To “key” (type) the symbols on a standard keyboard

    On most keyboards:

    • is typically Shift + , (comma)
    • is typically Shift + . (period)

    How you use them in real formulas

    These operators return TRUE/FALSE or can be used inside functions such as IF, COUNTIF, SUMIF, etc. For example:

    • =IF(A1>10,"Over 10","10 or less")
    • =COUNTIF(A1:A10,">5")
    • =IF(AND(A1>10,A1<20),"Within range","Out of range")

    I hope this information helps point you in the right direction. If I’ve misunderstood your question, or if you’re referring to a specific scenario (for example, using these operators in a particular Excel formula, SharePoint list, or another Microsoft 365 app), please let me know and share a bit more detail so I can help you more accurately.

    Please understand that our initial response does not always resolve the issue immediately. However, with your help and more detailed information, we can work together to find a solution.  

    Looking forward to hearing back from you with any updates or additional details. 

    Warm regards, 

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