AND and OR are common functions in the programmers’ environment, also referred to as Boolean operators (along with NOT). AND means that all conditions in the query must be true; OR means that at least one condition must be true.

For example, looking for an applicant with MS Word AND MS Excel experience means the applicant must have both skills to qualify for the job. This condition would provide a TRUE result. Looking for an applicant with MS Word OR Excel means the applicant must have one OR the other, but not necessarily both. Also a TRUE result. Having neither skills would, obviously, provide a FALSE result.

1. Copy the numbers from the spreadsheet in figure 13, or download the full workbook (link below).

2. Enter the following AND formula in cell D4: =AND($B4>=501,$C4<=500). Again, note the $ signs. Then copy down to cell D13.

3. Enter this formula in cell F4: =OR($B4>=501,$C4<=500), then copy down. Notice the results in the rows with borders; that is, 5, 8, and 13. The AND results are all FALSE because both conditions were false (or not true); while the OR results were all TRUE because one of the conditions was true, while the other was false.

If this seems confusing, study the numbers in columns B and C. Then read the formulas that calculate for the AND function, then the OR function, and it will make more sense.