Excel formula: Value is within tolerance

Generic formula

=IF(ABS(actual-expected)<=tolerance,"OK","Fail")

Explanation

To test if a value is within expected tolerance or not, and report "pass" or "fail", you can use a formula based on the IF and ABS functions. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is:

=IF(ABS(B5-C5)<=D5,"OK","Fail")

How this formula works

Inside the IF function, the expected value is subtracted from the measured or actual value. The result may be positive or negative, depending on the actual value, so the ABS function is used to convert the result to a positive number in all cases. This number is then compared to the allowed tolerance as a logical test inside IF. If the difference is less than or equal to the allowed tolerance, IF returns "OK". If not, IF returns "Fail". These messages can be customized as needed.

Author

Dave Bruns

Related formulas

Value is between two numbers

To test if a numeric value falls between two numbers, you can use the AND function with two logical tests. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is: = AND ( D5 > MIN ( B5 , C5 ), D5 < MAX ( B5 , C5 )) How this formula works At the core, this...

Count values out of tolerance

To count values that are out of tolerance in a set of data, you can use a formula based on the SUMPRODUCT and ABS functions. In the example shown, the formula in F6 is: = SUMPRODUCT ( -- ( ABS ( data - target ) > tolerance )) where "data" is the...

Related functions

Excel IF Function

The IF function can perform a logical test and return one value for a TRUE result, and another for a FALSE result. For example, to "pass" scores above 70: =IF(A1>70,"Pass","Fail"). More than one condition can be tested by nesting IF functions....

Excel ABS Function

The Excel ABS function returns the absolute value of a number. Negative numbers are converted to positive numbers, and positive numbers are unaffected.

Excel Formula Training

Formulas are the key to getting things done in Excel. In this accelerated training, you'll learn how to use formulas to manipulate text, work with dates and times, lookup values with VLOOKUP and INDEX & MATCH, count and sum with criteria, dynamically rank values, and create dynamic ranges. You'll also learn how to troubleshoot, trace errors, and fix problems. Instant access. See details here.