What is the OR Function
The OR function returns TRUE if at least one of the conditions you give it is true. It returns FALSE only if all conditions are false. OR is used when any single condition is enough to trigger an action.
Formula: =OR(logical1, [logical2], ...)
Practical Example 1
Bonus is given if marks are 90 or above OR attendance is 95 or above.
Type: =OR(B2>=90, C2>=95)
Result: TRUE or FALSE
Practical Example 2
Flag orders that are either urgent or high value.
Type: =OR(A2=Urgent, B2>10000)
Result: TRUE if either condition is met
Practical Example 3
Combine OR with IF to show a message.
Type: =IF(OR(B2>=90, C2>=95), Bonus, No bonus)
Result: Bonus or No bonus
Practical Example 4
Combine OR and AND for mixed logic.
Type: =OR(AND(B2>=80, C2>=90), D2=VIP)
Result: TRUE if either the AND group or the VIP condition is met
When to Use It
OR is used for bonus eligibility when any one condition applies, for flagging exceptions, for approval routing where either manager or director sign-off is enough, and for any logic where one true condition is sufficient.