What is a logical operator in Excel formulas?

A logical operator in Excel formulas is designed to compare values and evaluate logical expressions. These operators enable users to perform comparisons that yield Boolean results, typically true or false. For instance, logical operators such as AND, OR, and NOT function by evaluating multiple conditions and determining if the overall expression is true or false based on their logical relationships.

In the context of data analysis and decision-making in Excel, logical operators are essential for creating complex formulas that can drive specific outputs based on the conditions being tested. For example, using the AND operator allows you to check whether two or more conditions are true at the same time, while the OR operator checks if at least one condition is true. These functionalities are crucial when building formulas that require conditional logic, such as filtering datasets or calculating results based on varying conditions.

The other options refer to different functionalities within Excel. While summing values is an arithmetic operation, formatting cells pertains to how data is visually presented rather than how it is calculated, and filtering data rows relates to data management rather than logical evaluation. Thus, the role of logical operators stands out distinctly in how they assess and compare data, making the first option the most accurate representation of what a logical operator is in Excel.