XL2000: Error Message with Formula Containing More Than Seven Embedded IF Statements

Microsoft Excel has a limit of seven levels of embedded, or "nested," IF statements. Eight or more IF statements embedded in the same formula cause Microsoft Excel to return the following error message:

When more than seven levels of embedded IF statements are required, you need to create a function macro, which allows you to break your IF statement over several lines (or formulas).

Example of Correct Formula

A total of eight IF statements are allowed, but only seven may be embedded.

NOTE: The following example operates correctly; it consists of one IF statement, which has seven embedded within it (for a total of eight).

Example of an Incorrect Formula

NOTE: The following example consists of one IF statement, which has eight embedded within it (for a total of nine). It is the last occurrence that causes the formula to fail.