Conditionals (if/elif/else)
Make decisions in Python using if, elif, and else. Python uses indentation (spaces) instead of braces.
25 min•By Priygop Team•Last updated: Feb 2026
Python Conditionals
Python uses if, elif (else if), and else for decision making. Important: Python uses INDENTATION (4 spaces or 1 tab) to define code blocks — there are no curly braces {}. Getting indentation wrong causes an IndentationError. This is one of Python's most distinctive features.
Conditional Rules
- if condition: — Runs if condition is True
- elif condition: — Checks another condition (else if)
- else: — Runs if all conditions are False
- Indentation is MANDATORY — use 4 spaces
- No parentheses needed around conditions
- No curly braces — indentation defines the block
- Comparison: ==, !=, >, <, >=, <=
Conditionals Example
Example
age = 18
# Basic if/else
if age >= 18:
print("You are an adult.")
else:
print("You are a minor.")
# elif chain
score = 75
if score >= 90:
print("Grade: A")
elif score >= 80:
print("Grade: B")
elif score >= 70:
print("Grade: C")
else:
print("Grade: F")
# Check even or odd
number = 7
if number % 2 == 0:
print(f"{number} is Even")
else:
print(f"{number} is Odd")Try It Yourself: Grade Calculator
Try It Yourself: Grade CalculatorPython
Python Editor
✓ ValidTab = 2 spaces
Python|26 lines|528 chars|✓ Valid syntax
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