IF() formulas to calculate semi-monthly periods
Semi-monthly payments involve a more complex use of the IF()
formula, and you will need to think about how to use the IF()
formula!
Remember that the IF()
function takes a condition (like if EOMONTH()
equals a cell value), then if it matches provides the first value. Otherwise, it provides the second value.
Remember; if the function =EOMONTH(start_date, 0)
equals the last payment made, then the last payment made was on the last day of the month.
In this case, you can add 15 days to the last payment for a mid-month installment.
Otherwise, you can use the =EOMONTH(start_date,0)
to provide the last date of a month where a mid-month installment has already been paid.
This exercise is part of the course
Loan Amortization in Google Sheets
Exercise instructions
- For rows
4-7
, type in theIF()
formula that will provide a value equal to the expected date. Refer to the cell values, and check if the start date equals theEOMONTH()
. - For rows
10-14
you will need to fill in theEOMONTH()
formula, the start_date + 15 formula as well as theIF()
formula. - Finally, for rows
17-19
you will need to fill in a singleIF()
formula which will accurately calculate the next semi-monthly payment without referring to any cells other than the start date.
Hands-on interactive exercise
Turn theory into action with one of our interactive exercises
