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if / elif / else Statements

Conditional statements let your program make decisions. The if/elif/else structure evaluates conditions and executes different code blocks based on whether conditions are True or False.

20 min•By Priygop Team•Updated 2026

Conditional Statements

Python uses if/elif/else to make decisions. The condition must evaluate to True or False. Use comparison operators (==, !=, >, <, >=, <=) and logical operators (and, or, not) to build conditions. Indentation defines the code block.

Diagram

Loading diagram…

Python checks each condition in order - the first True branch runs, then it exits

if/elif/else Code

age = 20

# Simple if
if age >= 18:
    print("You are an adult")

# if-else
temperature = 35
if temperature > 30:
    print("It's hot!")
else:
    print("It's cool.")

# if-elif-else
score = 85
if score >= 90:
    grade = "A"
elif score >= 80:
    grade = "B"
elif score >= 70:
    grade = "C"
elif score >= 60:
    grade = "D"
else:
    grade = "F"
print(f"Score: {score}, Grade: {grade}")

# Multiple conditions
age = 25
has_license = True
if age >= 18 and has_license:
    print("You can drive!")
elif age >= 18:
    print("Get a license first.")
else:
    print("Too young to drive.")

Try It Yourself: Grade Calculator

Try It Yourself: Grade CalculatorPython

Python Editor

✓ ValidTab = 2 spaces

# Grade calculator - change the score to test!
score = 75

if score >= 90:
    grade = "A - Excellent!"
elif score >= 80:
    grade = "B - Good job!"
elif score >= 70:
    grade = "C - Average"
elif score >= 60:
    grade = "D - Below average"
else:
    grade = "F - Needs improvement"

print(f"Score: {score}")
print(f"Grade: {grade}")
print(f"Passed: {#ce9178">'Yes' if score >= 60 else 'No'}")

# Try different scores: 95, 82, 65, 45

Output

Click ▶ Run to see the result

Edit the code on the left, then click Run (Ctrl+Enter)

Python|19 lines|427 chars|✓ Valid syntax

UTF-8

Tip

Keep conditions simple. Instead of nested not/and/or, use named variables: is_valid = x > 5 and y < 10 then if not is_valid:.

Common Mistake

Warning

Using = instead of == in conditions. if x = 5: is a SyntaxError. Use == for comparison. Also if x == True: is redundant - just write if x:.

Practice Task

Note

Build a ticket pricing system: (1) Under 5: free. (2) 5-12: $10. (3) 13-59: $25. (4) 60+: $15. (5) Add a VIP boolean that doubles the price.

Quick Quiz

Topics in This Module