How do I use IF statements in Notion formulas?

IF statements in Notion formulas use a simple three-part structure that lets you create dynamic, conditional outputs based on specific criteria. The basic syntax follows this pattern: if(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false), where the condition must evaluate to true or false, and you specify what should happen in each case. For multiple conditions, you can either nest IF statements or use the cleaner ifs() function, which handles sequential conditions without the complexity of deep nesting.

Building your first IF statement starts with defining a clear condition that returns a Boolean result. For example, if(prop("Stock") < prop("Min Stock"), "Reorder", "Stock OK") compares two property values and returns different text based on the result. The condition prop("Stock") < prop("Min Stock") evaluates to either true or false, triggering the appropriate response. You can reference any property in your database using prop("Property Name") and combine them with comparison operators like ==, >, or <.

When you need multiple conditions, you have two approaches. Nested IF statements work by placing one IF inside another's false value, like if(prop("Score") >= 90, "A", if(prop("Score") >= 80, "B", "C")). However, the ifs() function offers better readability: ifs(prop("Score") >= 90, "A", prop("Score") >= 80, "B", true, "C"). This approach evaluates conditions sequentially and returns the first matching result, with the final true acting as a catch-all default.

Common pitfalls include forgetting that conditions must return true or false, not text or numbers directly. Syntax errors often stem from misplaced commas or unbalanced parentheses, so build your formulas incrementally and test each part. While IF statements are powerful for project status tracking, inventory management, and grading systems, overly complex nested conditions can slow down your database's performance and become difficult to maintain.

The key to successful IF statements lies in keeping them readable and testing individual conditions before combining them. Use ifs() instead of deep nesting when possible, and consider breaking complex logic into multiple formula properties if your conditions become unwieldy. With these foundations, you can automate status updates, categorize data, and create dynamic responses that adapt to your changing information.